Everything you need to know about EES, the new EU visa scheme

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Travel to the EU is changing from 10 November, with the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). It will mean anyone travelling to and from most European countries without an EU passport will need to have their biometrics — fingerprints and photograph — captured and then checked on every visit. There are fears of queues in terminals and at ports as the rules come into force. It will add two to three minutes of processing time per passenger, up from about 45 seconds at present.

Why's the EES happening?

EU officials describe EES as an 'automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay each time they cross the external borders of European countries'. It's designed to make the bloc's borders more secure in the face of terrorist threats. The new system will apply to all non-EU nationals and will replace so-called 'wet stamping' of passports.

Which countries are using EES?

The scheme will be adopted by 29 countries, including all EU members bar Cyprus and Ireland. It will also be in force in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. People with passports issued by any of these countries — including Cyprus and Ireland — will be exempt.

What will it involve?

For airline passengers arriving in EES destinations, it will vary depending on the size of the airport. At larger hubs, arrivals will be directed to kiosks — similar to those at US airports — to answer a series of multiple-choice questions, have fingerprints captured and a photo taken. They will then proceed to the border as usual. At smaller airports, the picture and fingerprints will be taken at the border-control booth and the questions asked by the official.

How will it impact ferries and the Channel Tunnel?

There are particular concerns about the impact the rules will have at the Port of Dover and Channel Tunnel at Folkestone, where border controls are combined with French formalities carried out on UK soil.

It's estimated the average processing time for a family in a car will rise from under a minute to five to seven minutes. Such a dramatic change prompted officials in Kent to warn the 'reasonable worst-case scenario' would result in gridlock and 'welfare concerns for passengers', with 15-hour queues.

Ashford Borough Council wrote to MPs on the European scrutiny committee earlier this year to raise concerns. 'The port of Dover has very limited space in the buffer zone between the Eastern Docks roundabout and the French customs booths,' the council wrote. 'Currently, the buffer zone is the only area where EES registration can be carried out. This will mean lengthy delays for all tourist traffic entering the port.'

What about Eurostar?

Preparing for the new system is understood to have cost Eurostar, the rail service connecting the UK to the European continent, more than €10 million (£8.5m). It's installed 49 entry-exit system kiosks at St Pancras. On arrival at the station, those who must complete EES will be directed to one of three areas where the kiosks are located. There will also be kiosks in Paris.

What else is changing?

The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a visa-waiver similar to the American Esta, is due to launch in mid-2025. Passengers will apply online or via a mobile app and be checked against EU borders and security systems. Most applications will be approved within minutes, but it could take up to 30 days. It will be valid for three years or until the holder's passport expires (whichever is sooner), at a cost of €7 (£6) for those aged 18 to 70. It's free for those outside this age range.