fr flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by AFP.

Biometric controls at EU borders: gradual deployment at 120 sites in France

by AI | 30.Sep 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The new border controls of the European Union, recording the biometric data of third-country nationals, who are numerous in visiting France, will be gradually implemented at 120 sites (ports and airports) in France.

A photo taken on July 6, 2018 shows "Parafe," an automated passport control system at Orly Airport, near Paris. This system was not mandatory. (Photo: ERIC PIERMONT / AFP)

Paris – The deployment in the European Union starting October 12 of a new control system using biometric data from travelers will take place at “all external borders” of France, but in a “modest manner” with a few travelers being checked initially, the Ministry of the Interior indicated on Tuesday.

The goal is to achieve the registration of 100% of travelers from third countries in the next six months. 

Waiting times will be “longer” at border posts, it acknowledged, noting the scale of the task for the country, which in 2024 recorded a record of 100 million foreign visitors.

Travelers will also be able to pre-register at kiosks installed in airports, ports, and train stations, ahead of border control.

This new entry-exit system (EES) will record in a common file for EU countries the names, passport numbers, fingerprints, and photos of all nationals from third countries traveling to Europe, replacing the manual stamp. (September 30, 2025)