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Brussels sets October date for new-style passport checks – updated

[ July 30, 2025   //   ]

The European Commission has set 12 October 2025 as the launch date for the progressive start of operations of its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for passenger travel across its borders. EES will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, capturing biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial images and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping. From 12 October onwards, Member States will start introducing the EES gradually over six months. Border authorities will progressively register the data of third country nationals crossing the borders. At the end of this period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points.

Logistics UK policy manager, Josh Fenton, said: “The confirmed launch date will finally provide certainty to the members of Logistics UK which move goods to and from the EU. However, with only 11 weeks until implementation starts, there is still much detail for the government to confirm, including details of where and how these checks are to be undertaken for those moving goods across the border – with such a short timeframe left, Logistics UK is seeking urgent clarification from DfT and the EU authorities.

 “While only a small percentage of border crossings will need to be registered via EES and the collection of biometric data from the start date, the EU’s stated plan is to increase coverage to 100% of all vehicles transiting from the UK at the end of the 180-day introduction period. It remains to be seen how and when this increase is to be implemented.”

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