An IMGW News Report
UK nationals holding EU residency permits will be exempt from biometric checks at the UK border, aligning with the EU’s new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch by October 6, 2024. This system aims to streamline entry into the EU’s Schengen Zone, requiring travelers to digitally record their entry and provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images at borders. This development was reported by BiometricUpdate.com, a leading news source specialising in breaking news, analysis, and research on the global biometrics market.
The exemption applies to holders of various residency permits under the Withdrawal Agreement, including temporary, five-year, ten-year, and permanent permits issued by France or any other EU member state. UK nationals eligible under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement will similarly be exempt from EES registration, provided they carry the necessary documentation.
Minors, whether traveling alone or accompanied, will need a Document de Circulation pour Étranger Mineur (DCEM) to qualify for exemption from EES requirements. Concerns have been raised by the UK government regarding potential disruptions at ports upon EES implementation, prompting discussions with the EU to potentially delay the system to ensure smoother operational readiness and minimise port delays.
