Nine EU countries, including France, Greece, Portugal, and Italy, are delaying the full introduction of fingerprinting for non-EU citizens as part of the Entry-Exit System (EES). These countries have requested more time to implement the new border controls at busy airports.
The EES, which was due to come into full effect on 6 September, has been repeatedly delayed. Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium have also sought additional time for implementation. Spain is reportedly implementing the EES fully.
While some large airports like Frankfurt and Schiphol are taking biometrics, and fingerprinting has started at the Eurostar terminal in Brussels and Antwerp port, checks have not been introduced in all airports or at the Port of Dover by French police.
Sources in Brussels have confirmed that countries not fully capturing fingerprints and facial images will not be prosecuted, despite technically being in breach of EU regulations.