What the EU's new entry-exit system means for you

What the EU's new entry-exit system means for you

The EU entry/exit system (EES) is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area. It will affect UK (and other non-EU travellers) travelling to the 29 countries that are in the Schengen area.

🚩 EES will be gradually introduced over a period of six months starting in October 2025.

What is the EU EES?

EES is a new automated IT system being introduced by the European Union. It will electronically register non-EU travellers – including UK citizens – when they enter and leave the Schengen Area.

EES will record biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) along with travel information such as entry and exit dates, locations, and length of stay.

People of all ages will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, but they will need to have a facial scan taken.

The entry-exit system will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area includes 29 countries. These are the 27 member states of the EU, except for Ireland and Cyprus. It also includes 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).

📌 The UK is not part of the Schengen Area.

There are no border checks between Schengen countries. You only pass through border checks at the external border of the Schengen Area.

When will ESS start?

EES is expected to start on 12 October 2025, with a gradual rollout over six months.

The EU has set out the following timetable:

The gradual rollout means travellers’ biometric data might not be collected at every border crossing point straight away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.

From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.

Why is EES being introduced?

The EES is being introduced to:

• Strengthen border security

• Improve efficiency at external EU borders

• Better monitor the length of stay for non-EU nationals

• Detect overstayers and potential risks

• Identify suspected criminals

• Combat identity fraud

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.

“From 12 October 2025, the EU will begin introducing its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which means British passport holders will have their passport scanned, photo taken and fingerprints recorded when entering or leaving the Schengen area.

“We are working closely with our European counterparts, industry partners, ports and carriers on the EES rollout and on keeping travellers informed at every stage.”- FCDO Spokesperson

Who will be impacted by EES?

ESS will impact you if you hold a British passport (or the passport of any country not in the Schengen area) and travel to the Schengen area.

ESS will impact:

✔ Tourists

✔ Business travellers

✔ People visiting family or friends

EES will not apply to:’

✖️ EU citizens

✖️ EU residents

✖️ People with long-stay visas

How are British travellers affected by EES?

From 12 October, British travellers visiting the Schengen Area will need to register for EES the first time they enter a Schengen country, and then have their information verified on subsequent visits.

• The first time you cross a Schengen external border after the system launches, you’ll need to provide fingerprints and a facial image (biometrics). This will be done at dedicated booths.

• This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance. You can do this by using a “self-service system” if available at your border crossing point and you have a biometric passport.

• Providing biometrics means you will be registered in the EES database, alongside information about your passport, entry/exit points, and travel dates.

• On subsequent trips to Schengen countries, your biometrics will already be recorded in the EES. So passport control officers will only need to verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time.

In the event that the authorities refuse you entry, the EES will also record this information.

Will EES cause delays?

✔ Yes, EES is expected to cause delays, especially during its initial implementation. Although the system is designed to improve border efficiency over time, the need to collect biometric data from non-EU travellers is likely to result in longer processing times at border checkpoints, particularly for first-time visitors.

Do UK travellers need to do anything for EES before leaving the UK?

✖️ No, the EES does not require any pre-registration or online form before you leave the UK.

ESS registration happens at the EU border, not before your journey.

Are there restrictions for Brits staying in the EU?

✔ Yes, there are restrictions for British travellers staying in the EU.

The EES helps enforce the EU “90 days in any 180-day period” rule for non-EU nationals. This rule means:

You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day window across the entire Schengen Area.

• The EES will automatically calculate your remaining allowance based on entry and exit records.

• If you overstay, it could lead to fines, entry bans, or other penalties.

How will EES affect travelling to the Schengen area?

Here’s how travel will change for UK citizens:

• At EU borders, you’ll have to go through a biometric check the first time after EES is introduced.

• You’ll no longer get your passport physically stamped – EES will track entries/exits electronically.

• You must ensure you don’t overstay the 90/180-day rule – the system will alert authorities if you do.

• You might experience longer queues during the transition phase, especially at busy travel hubs.

Where will EES take place when arriving in the EU?

Frequently ask questions