EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What you need to know

What is EES?

EES stands for EU Entry/Exit System - it is a new digital border check for non-EU/Schengen travellers (including UK passport holders). It comes into force on 12th October 2025, with a phased rollout over 6 months

• It replaces passport stamps with an electronic record plus biometrics (face scan + fingerprints on first registration)
• Where it applies: 29 countries using EES (the Schengen Area plus associated states).
• Cost is Free - there is no cost
• Expect slightly longer queues during the rollout, especially for that first registration. Build in extra time when arriving into the EU
• Not everyone will be entered in to the new process in one go, its estimated that your chance of being selected are around 1 in 10
• After you have registered you will be able to enter the EU more quickly using the EU electronic gates

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A VALID PASSPORT AND TO ENSURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE CHANGES

Why is EES being introduced?

To increase border security, stop overstays, and let more travellers use automated gates. It will also replace manual passport stamping.

What's changing?

This is a phased in approach over 6 months so only a percentage of people will be selected to be registered at any one time, meaning it is likely you will not be stopped.

From 12th October 2025, you'll be registered the first time you enter an EES country. That first registration takes a few minutes and includes:

• Scanning your passport
• Facial image capture
• Four fingerprints (children under 12 don't give fingerprints)

Your digital record then speeds up future trips for 3 years (you’ll usually only re-verify face or a fingerprint on later visits).

Who needs to use EES?

Anyone travelling on a UK (non-EU) passport for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180) into an EES country.

Exempt from EES registration: EU/Schengen nationals Travellers with a long-stay visa or residence permit for an EES country

Where and how the checks happen

Flying into an EU country: You'll register on arrival at the destination airport's EES kiosks/lanes.

Eurostar (London St Pancras), Eurotunnel (Folkestone), Port of Dover: Juxtaposed controls in the UK mean you'll complete EES checks before leaving the UK at dedicated kiosks/areas.

What do I need to do, and when?

Before you book your holiday:

• Check your passport validity and that you can comply with the 90/180 rule for Schengen short stays
• If you live in the EU or hold a long-stay visa, carry proof so you can be treated as EES-exempt

2–4 weeks before you travel:

• No pre-registration is required for EES
• Keep key documents handy in case a border officer asks: return ticket, accommodation details, insurance info, and evidence of funds (standard Schengen checks still apply)

Travel day:

• Arrive earlier at a UK port than usual, especially if it's your first EES trip
• Allow more time at destination airport immigration arrival
• Follow the signs to EES kiosks/lanes and staff instructions

FAQs

How long is my EES record valid? > Three years from first registration. Later trips are quicker: you normally just re-verify.

Will my passport still get stamped? > No - EES replaces passport stamps with a digital entry/exit log.

Does EES replace ETIAS? > No. EES is the border check system. ETIAS is a separate online travel authorisation planned for late 2026; you won't need ETIAS for trips before it launches.

Is EES used for Ireland or Cyprus? > No - EES does not apply when travelling to Ireland or Cyprus.

Official information (recommended links)

EU (official): "Entry/Exit System (EES)" — overview, how it works, and who's exempt. (Migration and Home Affairs)

UK Government guidance for British travellers: "EU Entry/Exit System (EES)." (GOV.UK)