The EU is introducing a digital border system, with passport stamps being replaced by biometrics

The European Union has introduced a new Entry and Exit System (EES) that electronically records the data of travelers from non-EU countries. It has been gradually introduced at the external borders of the Schengen area since Sunday and will be fully operational from April 2026.

Travelers must have their passport scanned, their fingerprints taken, and a photo taken upon entry.
The aim of the system is to improve migration control, detect overstays, and combat identity fraud.

The changes also affect British citizens – buses and trucks in Dover and Folkestone are already subject to EES checks, with passenger cars to follow in November.
Eurostar will already begin the pilot phase for selected groups. The introduction will take six months to allow both states and travelers to adjust.
According to the EU, this is an important step toward strengthening common migration policy.

(reuters, lup)