Travellers heading to Europe in 2025 should prepare for new passport checks, updated e-gate systems, and extra biometric requirements at many borders. Flight delays and airport queues have been a common worry, especially since changes after Brexit. Many hope that recent talks between the UK and EU could help speed up arrivals, as officials work on solutions to ease congestion, like access to European e-gates arrival process for for Britons.
As autumn approaches, the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to bring fingerprint scans and facial recognition into the routine for UK visitors, although the system’s exact rollout date is still being finalised. Understanding these new rules can help travellers avoid surprises or long waits when crossing borders.
For anyone heading abroad soon, knowing what to expect with visas, automated passport controls, and new biometric checks will be key to smoother, faster journeys.
Contents
- 1 Visa Queue Trends and Developments in 2025
- 2 The Evolution of E-Gates: Current Status and 2025 Outlook
- 3 Understanding Biometric Security at Borders
- 4 Eligibility and Set-Up for Efficient Travel
- 5 Tips to Breeze Through Queues in 2025
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 What are the new requirements for biometric identification at international borders as of 2025?
- 6.2 Can EU citizens use electronic gates when entering the UK now?
- 6.3 How has the Entry/Exit System (EES) affected non-EU travellers to Europe?
- 6.4 Are there any changes to visa protocols for frequent travellers due to biometric updates?
- 6.5 What steps should British citizens take to ensure seamless travel through EU e-gates?
- 6.6 Have any privacy concerns been addressed with the latest biometric systems at border control?
Visa Queue Trends and Developments in 2025
Recent years have brought steady changes to visa queues across Europe and the world. Travel demand, technology shifts, and changing rules have all played a part in shaping queue times and how travellers experience borders.
Global Changes in Travel Demand
The number of people travelling internationally has grown in 2025, especially to destinations in Europe and Asia. This has led to more applications for tourist and business visas.
Countries such as France, Spain, and Italy have reported higher levels of visa traffic this year. Meanwhile, global events and easing of pandemic-related restrictions have made it easier for more people to travel, pushing up application numbers.
A new trend is the rise in travel from regions previously less active in international tourism, making queues less predictable. In response, authorities are expanding staff during peak times and launching digital solutions to manage this demand.
Factors Influencing Queue Lengths
Visa queue times depend on several factors. The introduction of digital Schengen visa systems allows applicants to upload documents and biometrics online, which is expected to reduce time spent waiting at embassies and consulates. See digital Schengen visa platform for more on this process.
E-gates at airports and more use of biometric checks can speed up entry for approved travellers. However, during sudden surges in demand, such as holiday seasons, queues have still been long.
External issues like political instability or changes in entry rules, such as the launch of ETIAS in 2025, have also affected how long people spend in line.
Comparing 2023-25 Queue Data
Between 2023 and 2025, average visa queue times have changed, partly due to new digital procedures and rising travel. In 2023, it could take up to 2-4 weeks for a Schengen visa appointment, increasing to over 6 weeks during peak periods.
In 2024, some embassies started offering online document checks, decreasing average wait times by several days for some applicants. By mid-2025, digital apps and pre-approved biometric submissions are reducing in-person document checks, with many routine cases resolved in under 2 weeks outside peak travel season.
However, during summer or Christmas holidays, bottlenecks remain. The following table illustrates typical time frames:
| Year | Average Queue (Low Season) | Peak Periods |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2-4 weeks | 6+ weeks |
| 2024 | 1.5-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| 2025 | 1-2 weeks (digital cases) | 3-5 weeks (peak time) |
Delays are shortest for digital and automated cases, but those needing special review still face longer waits.
The Evolution of E-Gates: Current Status and 2025 Outlook
E-gates are changing how airports handle border control by allowing travellers to move more quickly and securely through passport checks. Their introduction and expansion are addressing long wait times, especially during peak travel seasons.
E-Gate Rollout Timeline
E-gates appeared in the early 2000s at select airports. Uptake accelerated in the 2010s as more countries looked for ways to handle larger numbers of travellers. By 2020, most major European airports offered e-gate facilities, primarily for EU and EEA citizens.
For British tourists, a key shift arrives in October 2025. A new UK-EU agreement will allow British passport holders to use e-gates at most major European airports, ending the need for manual passport stamping and helping to reduce queues. Before this, British tourists had to queue for manual checks and passport stamping. The expansion coincides with the launch of the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System, which further streamlines entry for non-EU visitors. Read more about this change for British travellers on the British e-gate rollout in 2025.
Key E-Gate Locations in 2025
By 2025, e-gates operate at almost all major EU airports. This includes hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Madrid-Barajas. London Heathrow, Manchester, and other leading UK airports continue to expand their own e-gate offering for both arrivals and departures.
The upcoming change means that British travellers will be able to use e-gates at these main European airports, just like EU citizens. The biggest impact will be felt at airports with high volumes of UK to EU travel, such as Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Nice. Some smaller airports are also updating systems, but most e-gate facilities remain concentrated at large, international terminals.
Technological Advancements in E-Gates
Recent years have seen rapid improvements in e-gate technology. Alongside automated passport scanning, modern e-gates use biometric checks such as facial recognition to match travellers’ faces to their passport photo. This speeds up processing and reduces errors.
The 2025 rollout will also see e-gates integrated with the new EU Entry/Exit System. This system automates entry and exit recording, improves tracking of non-EU visitors, and will eventually support digital travel authorisations. E-gates are designed for easy upgrades, so airports can add new features as standards change. Enhanced pet passport scanning and more accessible e-gate designs are also part of ongoing improvements.
Understanding Biometric Security at Borders
Borders have started using advanced technology to control who enters or leaves a country. Biometric systems and automated gates are now standard at many crossings, improving both safety and efficiency.
How Biometrics Enhance Security
Biometrics rely on unique physical features such as fingerprints or facial scans to confirm a person’s identity. These systems compare live scans to the data stored in biometric passports or on government databases.
This helps border officials spot people using fake documents, or those trying to cross with someone else’s passport. With biometric checks, identity fraud is much harder to pull off. Real-time cross-checking against watchlists allows authorities to block individuals flagged as security risks.
Biometric gates also make it easier to spot repeat offenders, as every crossing leaves a digital record tied to the person’s physical traits. This accurate tracking is crucial to national security and also speeds up the travel process for legitimate passengers.
Latest Biometric Systems Deployed
New border control solutions use e-gates and self-service kiosks that work with biometric passports. Travellers scan their passports, then verify their identity with a fingerprint or face scan. If the match is successful, the gate opens automatically.
These systems are already in place in several countries, making them especially useful at high-traffic borders where efficiency matters most. The technology is also being tested at Bhutan’s border with India, showing a wider move towards automation.
Recent European projects focus on real-time identity checks using improved biometric technology, which further helps spot forged documents and impostor fraud. Industry leaders such as Thales are driving much of this innovation with secure, automated e-gates that connect to government databases.
Eligibility and Set-Up for Efficient Travel
Many travellers can save time at border control by using e-gates and biometric lanes. Requirements can vary by country and airport, so checking eligibility and preparing in advance is important for a smooth journey.
Who Can Use E-Gates and Biometric Lanes
E-gates in the UK and EU are available to travellers who meet specific conditions. Most UK and EU citizens aged 12 and over can use them if they have biometric passports. Children under 12 and some non-EU visitors may not be eligible.
In 2025, British travellers will be able to use e-gates at certain EU airports. This change should cut down waiting times for many UK passport holders entering Europe. Visitors with advanced travel documents and certain residence permits can also use e-gates in some countries.
Biometric lanes may require additional criteria, such as pre-registration or specific visa types. Always check the latest rules before travelling to avoid confusion at the border.
Setting Up for a Smooth Experience
To use e-gates or biometric lanes, travellers will need a biometric passport or valid digital documents. Many borders now use digital records, like the UK’s online eVisa system, that replace paper visas and physical cards.
Checklist for set-up:
- Make sure your passport is biometric (has a chip)
- Carry any required digital or physical travel documents
- Update and verify e-visa or digital status before travelling
- Check eligibility requirements with the airport or government website
For those with digital visas, it’s important to confirm all details are accurate using tools like the UK’s eVisa status checker. If help is needed, most systems offer support hotlines.
Preparing documents in advance makes the process at e-gates much faster. Keep everything accessible, and be ready to follow on-screen or border staff instructions.
Tips to Breeze Through Queues in 2025
Smooth border experience starts with good organisation, making smart choices about queue-skipping services, and picking the right travel times. Travellers can save time by preparing all paperwork and considering fast-track options before their journey.
Preparing Documents Ahead of Time
Make sure that all documents for border checks are up to date and easy to access. Passports must be valid for the required period, with any necessary visas or travel authorisations approved in advance. In 2025, UK travellers to Europe should be ready for new systems like the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will likely need fingerprint scans and digital checks rather than stamps. It is vital to review airline or government advice before travelling.
Keep digital copies of key documents, like passport and visa details, on a smartphone or tablet. Some countries may now accept these to speed up identity checks if the originals are lost. Having all necessary forms filled before arrival can save time and reduce stress at border control points. Organising travel details in a small folder or organiser, and knowing where everything is, prevents delays.
Leveraging Fast-Track Options
Many airports and borders in the UK and EU offer fast-track services for quicker processing. Eligible British travellers can now use expanded eGates across several European countries, cutting down wait times at passport desks. E-gates use facial recognition and electronic passport scans, allowing most adults and even older teens to clear border control quickly.
Booking a fast-track security lane or priority passport check is another good option, especially during busy periods. There may be a fee, but these services are available online for many airports in advance. For those flying with young children or who need extra help, some airports offer family or assistance lanes apart from the general lines. Using these services can make the process smoother and faster.
Airports may also offer mobile apps for quick border clearance. These apps sometimes provide real-time updates on wait times, digital document storage, and advance forms for programmes such as the Entry/Exit System.
Recommended Travel Times to Avoid Delays
Choosing less busy travel periods can make a big difference at border control. Early morning and late evening flights tend to have shorter queues because fewer people are travelling at those times. Mid-week days such as Tuesday or Wednesday are usually quieter than weekends or Mondays.
If possible, avoid travelling during school holidays, public holidays, or major local events, since airports and border crossings will be busier. Checking airport or border authority websites for real-time queue updates and average wait times can help with planning. Arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight, especially for long-haul travel or when new systems like EES are in use, helps to avoid stress and reduces the risk of missing a flight due to unexpected delays.
Travellers entering the UK should also use the eGates for quicker entry if eligible, which can be much faster than traditional passport checks. Taking these steps ensures a more predictable and calm start to any journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Biometric checks and e-gates are changing the way travellers pass through border control in Europe and the UK. Recent updates affect not only tourists but also frequent travellers and British citizens.
What are the new requirements for biometric identification at international borders as of 2025?
Travellers entering the EU or UK must provide biometric data at many border points. This data may include fingerprints and facial recognition scans.
E-gates now compare live images to the passport chip. The Entry/Exit System (EES) collects biometric data from non-EU visitors upon arrival and departure.
Can EU citizens use electronic gates when entering the UK now?
EU citizens can use e-gates at most UK airports and ports. This process uses facial recognition to compare travellers with their passport photo.
Passengers aged 12 and over with biometric passports usually qualify for e-gate use. Swiss nationals with certain visas can also continue to use their national ID cards through at least 31 December 2025.
How has the Entry/Exit System (EES) affected non-EU travellers to Europe?
The new EES requires non-EU travellers, including British citizens, to give their biometric details the first time they arrive at an EU border. This process may include fingerprint scans and a photo.
Once registered, their data will help automate checks at e-gates, making future border crossings faster for third-country nationals.
Are there any changes to visa protocols for frequent travellers due to biometric updates?
Frequent travellers must now pre-register their biometric data. While the visa process for many countries remains the same, the time at the border may change due to new checks.
Updated systems can speed up travel for those already enrolled in biometric databases.
What steps should British citizens take to ensure seamless travel through EU e-gates?
British citizens should have a biometric passport and be ready for fingerprint and photo scans on arrival in the EU. It helps to keep travel documents easily accessible.
Arriving early at the airport gives extra time for the biometric registration process, especially if it is the first trip since the changes.
Have any privacy concerns been addressed with the latest biometric systems at border control?
Authorities state that biometric data is stored securely and only used for border checks. New systems are designed to protect personal data according to EU and UK privacy laws.
Efforts continue to improve transparency about how this information is collected, used, and stored.
