The British government has published an official notice on its GOV.UK portal, alerting citizens to the entry into force of the Entry Exit System (EES), a new European entry and exit registration system for travellers from third countries.

The EES replaces the traditional passport stamp, now electronically recording every entry and exit into the Schengen area. According to the notice, the system will be introduced progressively at airports, seaports, and land borders, including those with Portugal.

According to GOV.UK, all travellers from the UK may be asked to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photograph, upon arrival at kiosks or dedicated stations set up at the borders. The process will be free of charge and will not require any pre-travel action.

According to the same source, upon departure from the Schengen area, authorities may request the collection of biometric data again to confirm the outbound movement.

Children under 12 will be exempt from fingerprint collection, although they may need to be photographed to complete registration.

Possible Delays

The British government warns that the new procedure may slightly increase border crossing times, especially during the first few months of the system's operation. Therefore, travellers are advised to expect longer than usual wait times.

The EES will be implemented in phases and will not begin simultaneously at all entry points. According to the same notice, some locations may take up to six months to fully adopt the new process. During this transition period, passports will continue to be stamped manually, even for those who have already completed biometric registration.

The new system aims to strengthen security at the European Union's external borders and automate the control of travelers' entry and exit, ensuring compliance with the 90-day stay rule within a 180-day period in the Schengen area.