Biometrics to replace stamps at EU border from 12 October

Stamps in people's passports will be replaced by biometric checks for people travelling in and out of the EU from 12 October, officials have confirmed.

1news.media reports that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the current paper checks and will mean passengers from the UK will need to have their fingerprints and faces scanned to cross an EU border.

The scheme will be rolled out across member nations over six months, meaning it will not be fully implemented until 10 April 2026.

It was due to come into effect last November but has been beset by technological delays.

Under the new system, non-EU citizens, including people from the UK, will need to register their biometric data along with their passport details to enter an EU country.

Anyone who refuses to provide the biometric data will be denied entry into the EU.

Currently, travellers have to present their passports to a border official to be checked and stamped.