Sun Oct 12 17:23:11 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it, written from an Indian perspective:
**Summary:**
The European Union has begun implementing its Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital initiative to track non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen area. This system involves biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial scans) at external borders to detect overstays, combat identity fraud, and curb illegal migration. The system is being rolled out over six months, with full operation expected by April 2026. While aimed at security and migration control, the EES is already causing some border delays, particularly at crossings between Serbia and Croatia, and impacting travel for British citizens at major UK departure points.
**News Article:**
**The Hindu: Europe Begins Biometric Border Control; Indian Travellers Face New Hurdles**
**Brussels, October 12, 2025:** The European Union commenced its ambitious Entry/Exit System (EES) on Sunday, a move that will significantly alter travel procedures for non-EU citizens, including Indians. The EES, touted as the digital backbone of Europe’s new migration framework, will require travellers to register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scans) upon first entry into the Schengen area.
According to EU Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the system aims to enhance security, detect overstays, and combat identity fraud amidst growing political pressure to control illegal migration. This will affect Indian tourists, business travellers, and students planning to visit the EU.
While subsequent journeys will only require facial biometric verification, the initial registration process is expected to add processing time at border crossings. Reports already indicate delays at the Serbia-Croatia border. For Indian travellers connecting through the UK, the implementation at ports like Dover and Eurotunnel will initially impact freight and coach traffic, but passenger vehicle checks are set to begin soon.
“This new system is going to add another layer of complexity to international travel,” said Rajiv Sharma, a Delhi-based travel consultant specializing in European tours. “While enhanced security is welcome, the potential for delays and the data privacy implications are concerns for Indian travellers.”
The system is slated to be fully operational by April 2026, replacing traditional passport stamping with electronic records. While the UK government has expressed a commitment to border security in line with the EU’s objectives, the EES will undoubtedly affect travel patterns and visa application strategies for Indian citizens planning trips to Europe. The impact of these changes remains to be seen.
First Piper 