EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) Information

Upcoming Changes to Travel in Europe: What You Need to Know

Important information about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), starting October 2025

From 12 October 2025, the European Union is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non‑EU travellers — including visitors from the UK. This system will change the way you go through passport control when entering or leaving EU/Schengen countries. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your holiday.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES will replace manual passport stamping with a digital process. It will:

• Record your entry and exit at EU borders
• Require a facial scan
• Collect fingerprints (children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting)

Who will it affect?

EES applies to non‑EU travellers entering the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period). This includes:

• Most UK passport holders travelling for holidays or business
• Travellers of all ages (note: children under 12 do not provide fingerprints, but will have a facial scan)

Exemptions include:

• Irish passport holders
• British citizens with EU residency

Which countries will use EES?

The following countries will implement EES:

Note: In Ireland & Cyprus, passports are currently stamped manually and EES will not apply.

What about Eurostar, Eurotunnel, or Dover departures?

If you're travelling from the UK via:

• Eurostar (London St Pancras)
• Eurotunnel (Folkestone)
• Ferry (Port of Dover)

Your EES checks will take place before departure at the French border control located in the UK. You won’t need to repeat checks on arrival in Europe.

What about cruises?

• No EES needed if your cruise starts and ends in the UK.
• No EES checks for EU day trips that are part of your cruise itinerary.
• EES applies if you fly into the EU to start your cruise or fly home from an EU port (checks at the relevant airport border control).

What should you do?

During the early months of EES, some delays at passport control are anticipated.

To make your journey smoother:

• Allow extra time at borders
• Bring food, water, and essential medication
• Be prepared for longer queues, especially at peak times

If your holiday includes airport transfers, we are working with our partners to adjust timings accordingly. This may mean earlier pick‑up times for return journeys.

Find out more

• EES – European Union
• Gov.uk guidance on EES

What is ETIAS and how is it different from EES?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorisation required for non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen Area, including UK travellers. It is expected to launch in late-2026.

ETIAS is not a visa, but you’ll need to apply for authorisation online before your trip. Once approved, it allows you to travel to participating European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).

You don’t need to apply for ETIAS just yet, but we’ll update this page once it becomes available. In the meantime, make sure your passport is valid and allow extra time when planning future trips to Europe.

For more information, visit the official ETIAS site: ETIAS – European Union