Travelling to Europe? From 12th October 2025 there are new border checks, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), as part of its plans to modernise the border system. This requires British and non-EU citizens to provide biometric data at all Schengen area entry and exit points.
The EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries.
What will British citizens need to do? From 12th October, non-EU travellers including most British citizens, entering the Schengen area are required to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, and could be asked questions about their visit to the EU on arrival, as well as a further biometric check on their departure.
EES registration is replacing the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.
For more guidance on the EU Entry/Exit System please visit the GOV.UK website.
EU Entry-Exit System (EES) FAQs
EES, or the EU Entry/Exit System, is a new digital system introduced by the EU to strengthen its external Schengen border.
It will mean most non-EU citizens, including British citizens, will need to register their biometric details – providing fingerprints and having their photo taken – when they enter or exit the Schengen area. Travellers do not need to provide information in advance of travel – this will all be done at the border point.
EES registration is replacing the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.
EES applies to non-EU citizens and non-EU residents entering the Schengen area for a short stay. This means any traveller not holding the nationality or residence permit of any EU country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
EES does not apply to holders of residence permits and long-stay visas. For further information from the EU on this please see here.
The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
EES is not applicable when travelling to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.
EES is part of long-term plans designed by the EU to digitise the border and improve border security in the Schengen area by keeping a digital record of everyone entering and exiting the Schengen area. The taking of fingerprints and a facial image assigns a traveller’s biometrics to a particular passport and thereby prevents the fraudulent use of multiple/false passports.
It automates border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.
No, EES does not apply to Ireland. Please follow existing guidance on travelling to Ireland.
No. There is no charge for travellers for EES registration. Any requests for payment to comply with EES are incorrect and/or fraudulent. The EU will later be introducing an advance permission to travel system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require a payment. This scheme is a separate system to EES and is not expected to launch until Autumn 2026.
Travellers will be required to undertake EES registration the first time they cross an external Schengen border. This will typically take place at the port or airport in their country of entry, where they will scan their passport, submit their fingerprints and/or have their photo taken, but could also take place upon exit.
Passengers may be asked Schengen Border Code questions, which are basic questions about their trip. One of the most common questions that travellers are asked upon reaching the EU is whether they have a return ticket to their home country or an outward ticket to another third country once their trip in the Schengen Zone ends.
No. Your details may be taken by a border guard, or you may be asked to enter your details directly using a handheld tablet or at a kiosk. Travellers should follow signs and instructions from port staff. During the phased implementation of EES over the initial 6 month period it is possible that travellers may not be asked to provide biometrics.
Travellers will be required to complete their EES registration on their first entry to and their final exit from the Schengen area.
There is no requirement to complete EES when travelling within the Schengen area e.g. if you are travelling from Switzerland to France.
Implementation will be phased for the first six months of EES, with full implementation by 10 April 2026. During this period, you may experience different requirements when travelling in and out of the Schengen area, particularly at different ports.
No, but you will need to complete the EES process every time you enter or exit the Schengen area.