From 12 October 2025, the EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders. This replaces manual passport stamping with a digital system and is being rolled out across all Schengen Area countries. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026.
To help you get up to speed, here's our summary of the main points:
Who is Affected?
All UK travellers heading to Schengen countries (Click here for full list)
Ireland and Cyprus are not in Schengen, so they are not affected.
Applies to short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
Excludes those with an EU passport or long-stay visa/residency
Some UK nationals are exempt from EES. The full list of exemptions is available on the EU’s official Travel Europe website
Why This Matters
The EES helps the EU monitor travel and manage border security
It replaces stamping, so your stay is tracked automatically
The system is meant to strengthen security and ultimately make travel smoother
You could be refused entry if overstaying or if records mismatch
What do I Need to Do?
You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. There are no fees and no paper forms to fill in
If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you will complete EES checks when you arrive at your destination
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area
What Happens at the Border?
On your first trip after launch, you will:
Scan your passport at an EES kiosk or with a border guard
Have a facial photo taken
Provide fingerprints (4 fingers)
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but will have a photo taken
What You Should Prepare
Allow extra time at border control on your first trip
Make sure your passport is valid and in good condition
Have your travel details ready (address, length of stay, etc.)
Cruise Passengers
Day trips from a UK cruise ship generally do not require full EES checks
If disembarking for onward travel (e.g. rail/fly), checks will apply
Helpful Tips
Your biometric profile will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. Future trips will be quicker – just a passport scan and a fingerprint or photo may be required
Re-register if your passport changes
Speak to staff if you can’t provide fingerprints or photos for medical reasons
The decision to introduce EES gradually, instead of with a "big bang" start, should help reduce the risk of disruption in this introductory phase
Gradual deployment of the system means that travellers’ biometric data might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and your personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual
If you are planning a European trip with us this autumn or winter, please do not hesitate to give us a call should you have any questions. As always, we are here to ensure your holiday is worry-free so do get in touch.
Useful Links for Further Information
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe
