Flying to Europe? Indians Must Register Fingerprints and Photos Under New EU Entry Rules
New Delhi, 12th October 2025: Indian citizens traveling to Europe will now face additional entry requirements under the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which officially came into effect on Sunday. The new system replaces traditional passport stamping and introduces biometric registration for all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area.
What the New Rule Means for Travelers
Under the EES, travelers from India and other non-EU countries must register their entry at the border by scanning their passports, providing fingerprints, and having their photographs taken. This digital data will be stored in a centralized system to track entries, exits, and visa compliance.
According to EU authorities, fingerprints will not be collected from children under 12 years, but photographs of all passengers — including infants — will be required to create a complete digital record.
Applies to Schengen Countries, With Some Exceptions
The EES will apply to all Schengen Area countries, which include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, in addition to EU member states. However, Ireland and Cyprus are exempt from the system.
For travelers departing the United Kingdom via the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel in Folkestone, or Eurostar at St. Pancras International, the registration process will take place at the border before leaving the UK.
Objective: Faster, Safer, and Fraud-Free Travel
EU officials say the system aims to modernize and strengthen border management, replacing manual passport stamping with an automated process. The EES will help authorities identify overstays, reduce wait times at borders in the long term, and significantly curb identity fraud.
The new digital registration system marks one of the most significant changes in European travel procedures in recent years and is expected to affect millions of non-EU travelers, including Indians visiting for tourism, business, or study.
