If you’re planning a trip to Europe from 12th October 2025 onwards, there’s a new system for border checks you need to be aware of. The European Union is rolling out a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals, including UK travellers, for short stays. The EES will be required for all UK passport holders when entering Schengen area countries—including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland—but not when traveling to Ireland or Cyprus.

The aim of the EES is to strengthen border control, reduce overstays, and replace physical passport stamps with a fully digitised record of your travel. Here’s what it means for your holiday plans and what you can do to ensure your travel is as smooth as possible.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital programme designed to register and monitor the arrival and departure of travellers from countries outside the European Union. It will record:

• The date and location of entry
• Your passport details
• Biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans
• The duration of your stay within the Schengen area

While most British citizens will be affected, those with dual British/EU citizenship who travel using their EU passport may not need to register. The UK Government’s guidance states that most British citizens will need to register when traveling to Schengen countries.

This system replaces the current manual passport stamping process and automates the tracking of the 90-day visa-free stay within any 180-day period.

When is it happening?

Initial rollout will begin from 12th October 2025, with all Schengen countries being required to adopt the new system within six months of rollout. It will apply to all border entry points at land, air, and sea across participating countries.

Who does it affect?

EES will apply to non-EU citizens and non-EU residents entering the Schengen area for short stays. This includes travellers who do not hold the nationality or residence permit of any EU country, nor the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. It does not apply to holders of valid residence permits or long-stay visas.

UK passport holders will need to register at their first point of entry after the system goes live. Registration involves:

• Submitting biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph)
• Scanning their passport at an automated border kiosk
• Having their details verified against European security databases

Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but will still be photographed and have digital records created.

When returning home, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either their fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

What countries does this apply to?

The system will be used when entering and exiting 25 EU countries (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) as well as four non-EU countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein) that are part of the border free Schengen area, along with most EU Member States.

It will apply to all travellers from non-EU and non-Schengen countries when visiting the 29 countries participating in the EES for short stays. However, non-EU citizens who are legally resident or hold long-stay visas for an EU Member State will be exempt from the EES requirements.

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.

What about passport stamping?

The purpose of the EES is to eliminate the need for physical passport stamps. Instead, your travel movements will be recorded digitally, helping to avoid manual errors, ensure accurate tracking of your stay, and enable faster processing in the future.

Will it cause delays?

As with any new system, some initial delays at borders are expected, especially during busy travel periods. Some airports already have biometric kiosks and e-gates, but infrastructure adjustments may cause longer queues, particularly at land borders. Travellers arriving by car or ferry at land borders may also experience longer wait times as the system is implemented. It’s advisable to plan for extra time at border crossings, especially during the first few months after the system’s launch.

Is there an app?

The European Commission is developing a companion mobile app to streamline the process. It is not expected to be available immediately at launch but in the future, it will likely allow travellers to:

• Pre-register some of their data
• Track how many days they have spent in the Schengen zone
• Access travel logs and departure records

Does this affect my travel insurance?

Not directly, but it’s important to:

• Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip
• Understand the 90/180 day rule, especially if you travel frequently
• Make sure your insurance covers the entire period you are traveling, including any extended stays due to border delays or other issues

If you are delayed at the border, some policies may provide cover for extended accommodation or missed connections. Always check your policy documents before traveling.

What should I do now?

For now, there is no immediate action required if you’re travelling before October 2025. For trips after the system’s rollout, regularly check official government and travel provider websites such as ferry operators, Eurotunnel, and airlines for updates on registration requirements, infrastructure, and the availability of the mobile app.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees

Above all, give yourself a little more time at the airport. New systems take time to settle in, but they’re designed to make travel simpler in the long run.