Your fingerprints and face data are now part of border control. But how safe are they?
As the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins operation on October 12, 2025, travellers from non-EU countries will now encounter a more automated border control process. Among the most sensitive changes is the biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial images.
What Data Does the EES Collect?
- data from travel documents (name, date of birth, nationality, travel document number, etc.), along with date, time, and place of entry and exit
- biometric identifiers (fingerprints and a facial image)
Children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprint collection and only a facial image is taken.
The primary reasons are security and accuracy. Biometrics help reliably verify that the person entering or exiting is the same individual, reducing identity fraud and preventing misuse of travel documents. The EES is explicitly intended to help detect overstays (people who remain beyond their legal permitted time) more reliably.
Where Will Your Biometric Data Be Taken?
Your fingerprints and facial image are collected at the border crossing point, typically during your first entry into the Schengen Area after the EES launch.
At major airports (including Prague Airport) travellers first use self-service EES kiosks to pre-register (scan passport and take a photo) before meeting a border officer.
What If You Refuse Biometric Data?
You may be denied entry if you refuse to provide the required biometric data when no valid exemption applies.
However, you do not need to hold a biometric passport to enter the Schengen Area.
Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted by EU Member States for travel, meaning your entry will not be refused just because your passport does not have a chip.
Have questions about relocation to the Czech Republic?
You can book a FREE 15-minute consultation, where our immigration specialist, Oldřich Lang will help you with your specific situation.
Source of photo: Canva
