The EU began rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals from Sunday 12 October.
EES is an automated IT system that will eventually replace the traditional stamping of passports at EU border checkpoints as it is rolled out across the bloc over the coming six months.
According to the Finnish foreign affairs ministry, the EES is for "registering non-EU nationals each time they cross a border into or out of the EU".
"The system will register the person's name, travel document data, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection," an EU press release stated.
It noted that the system is part of a broader effort to strengthen the security of the Schengen area's external borders.
"As of 10 April 2026, EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which does not allow an automatic detection of over-stayers (travellers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorised stay)," the EU's explainer said, adding that it also seeks to "prevent irregular migration".
The British Embassy in Helsinki released a video on its social media platforms over the weekend to advise UK citizens about how the changes will affect them.
The Finnish foreign ministry meanwhile advised non-EU passengers to consult the website of the Finnish Border Guard for more information on the EES system.
The ministry emphasised that the new system does not apply to EU citizens.
Next year will also see the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is a new entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt non-EU countries travelling to European countries requiring authorisation.
The law change means that affected travellers will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before entering Europe.
