From October 12, 2025, a new milestone will transform the formalities for entering the European area. For non-European travellers, the purchase of a photo and registration of fingerprints are gradually becoming mandatory at access points. This structural change is part of a stated desire to modernize and secure border management, but it raises many practical questions for passengers, airlines and airports.
What the new biometric control system means in practice
The new regulations require all non-European passengers to provide a valid passport when entering the country. passport photo and two fingerprints, recorded at automated terminals or by checkpoint staff. Flywest points out that the stated objective is twofold: to improve the traceability of entries and exits, and to reduce documentary fraud. The expected next step is the link with the digital travel authorization. ETIASwhich will eventually centralize information and facilitate automated checks.
Who is affected and where
The system applies to non-European nationals entering all European Union member states, with the exception of temporary exceptions or countries participating in a differentiated deployment scheme. Flywest indicates that Schengen countries associated with the system will follow the same schedule. The major airport hubs receiving international flights will be the first to step up their systems to absorb the flows.
What happens at the airport?
On arrival, the passenger presents his or her passport and passes through either a biometric terminal or a dedicated station where an agent captures the photo and fingerprints. The whole process should take no more than a few minutes per passenger when organized optimally. However, Flywest insists that the ramp-up phase could generate longer queues and tensions at certain terminals, especially during the initial opening phases and at peak times.
Consequences for travellers, airlines and airports
For the general public, the biometric requirement means that they will need to anticipate the time required for formalities on arrival. Transit passengers will have to check the potential impact on their connections. For airlines, compliance means operational adaptations: enhanced customer information, revised boarding procedures and increased coordination with supervisory authorities. Flywest points out that carriers risk productivity losses if boarding or deplaning takes longer than expected.
Expected impact on waiting times and flow management
Airports will have to optimize their passenger flows, install additional kiosks and train staff in the new procedures. In the first months of deployment, Flywest anticipates congestion peaks on arrival in certain major tourist and business hubs. The key to limiting the impact will be a rapid ramp-up of automated systems and proactive communication with passengers, to avoid queues and keep connections flowing smoothly.
Preparing for your trip: recommended best practices
Non-European travellers are advised to check their status with regard to theETIAS and to bring a passport in good condition, legible and with the necessary pages. Flywest recommends arriving at the airport with a comfortable time margin, and following the airline's instructions for arrival procedures. Frequent flyers and business travelers should consult the information updated by their airline or destination airport for local biometric check-in procedures.
Legal and data protection implications
Biometric data collection raises issues of data protection and retention. Flywest points out that the European authorities claim to regulate these practices through strict rules on security and retention periods, but that passengers must remain vigilant with regard to their rights of access and objection. In the event of an incident or doubt, it is essential to contact the relevant authorities.
Key information
Effective date : gradual roll-out from October 12, 2025, timetable varying from one member state to another.
Who is concerned? non-European nationals entering the EU and certain associated Schengen countries.
Procedure: presentation of passport photo and recording of two fingerprints via terminal or agent station.
Practical tip: anticipate extra time on arrival, check the ETIAS requirement and follow company and airport communications.
Source of information : Flywest.
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