Your Guide to the EU Entry/Exit System for Trips to Europe

Travelling to Europe is about to change for UK passport holders. From 12 October 2025, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out across the Schengen Area, replacing traditional passport stamping with a fully digital system.

So, what does this mean for your next trip to Europe? In this blog, we'll explain how the system works, which countries are affected, and what you need to do to be prepared.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border control system designed to track when non-EU citizens, including UK passport holders, enter and leave the Schengen Area.

Currently, passports are stamped by hand. From October 2025, this will be replaced by a digital scan, recording your details automatically. Here's what it means in practice:

• Automated records: The system will log the exact time and place you entered or left the Schengen Area.
• 90/180 rule enforcement: Non-EU citizens can only spend 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen zone without a visa. The EES will automatically track this limit.
• Enhanced security: By collecting biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition data, border authorities will have a more reliable way to verify identity and prevent overstays.

This new process is part of the EU's push to modernise border security and make entry checks more consistent.

Which Countries Will Use the EES?

The Schengen Area currently includes 25 EU countries, and all of them will adopt the new system. In addition, four non-EU countries that are part of Schengen- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland - will also roll out the EES.

That means if you're travelling to popular destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, or Portugal, or even heading to Norway or Switzerland, you'll be using the new entry system.

What Is the EU Entry/Exit System Start Date?

The Schengen entry-exit system rollout will begin on 12 October 2025, with the system being gradually introduced across Europe over a six-month transition period. By 10 April 2026, EES should be fully operational at every Schengen border crossing.

A few important details to note:

• During the transition period, passport stamps may still be used alongside digital checks.
• Not all border posts will immediately collect biometric data (face and fingerprints), but some may start earlier than others.
• The full system will be in place by spring 2026.

This staggered introduction means that, for a short time, requirements could vary depending on which airport or border crossing you use.

What Happens When Using the EES?

For most UK travellers, here’s what to expect when travelling under the Entry/Exit System to Europe:

First-Time Registration

• Biometric collection: You'll need to provide fingerprints and a facial scan along with your passport details.
• Children under 12: They won't need to give fingerprints, but they must have a photograph taken. Parents should be prepared for this when travelling with young children.
• Additional questions: The system may ask about your travel plans, such as where you'll be staying, whether you have a return ticket, and if you have enough funds for your trip.

Future Entries and Exits

• On subsequent trips, only a facial biometric scan will usually be required, making the process quicker.
• Your data will normally be stored for three years. Each new visit resets this period. If you refuse to provide biometric data, you may be denied entry.

Where Will UK Travellers Register?

The process will take place at border control points across Europe, but some checks will start before you even leave the UK.

EES registration will be carried out at the juxtaposed border controls that operate on UK soil for certain routes, including:

• Dover ferry port
• London St Pancras (Eurostar terminal)
• Folkestone (LeShuttle services)

For air passengers, the checks will happen on arrival at your European destination airport.

Voyager Plus policies offer four levels of cover, including Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance options, access to GP on Demand, and include cover for the following:

Key Things UK Travellers Need to Know

1. Check Your Passport Validity

• The system will not accept expired or damaged passports
• Make sure your passport is valid and in good condition before travel
• Many airlines and EU authorities recommend having at least three months' validity left on your passport to avoid issues. For more details, see our blog on the 10-year passport rule.

2. Longer Wait Times at Borders

• Expect longer queues, especially in the early stages of rollout
• First-time registration will take extra time because of the biometric checks
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid missing your gate

3. Different Border Requirements During Transition

• Until April 2026, some airports and ports may still use passport stamps
• Requirements may vary depending on where you cross, so always check in advance
• Ireland and Cyprus will continue with manual passport stamping only

What’s Next After EES?

The Entry/Exit System is just the beginning. Once it is fully operational, the EU plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

• ETIAS is essentially a pre-travel authorisation system, similar to the US ESTA.
• It will be required for British travellers visiting the EU for short stays.
• ETIAS is expected to launch about six months after EES is complete.

For more details, see our blog about ETIAS.

Final Thoughts

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System will transform how UK travellers enter Europe, replacing passport stamps with a fully digital process. Although the rollout may bring some delays at first, it’s designed to make travel smoother in the long run by automatically recording visits and enforcing visa-free limits.

With EES starting in October 2025 and fully active by April 2026, now is the time to prepare to ensure a smooth journey.

And remember – arranging the right travel insurance to Europe to give you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your trip knowing you’re protected whatever happens.

Europe Travel Insurance from Voyager Plus

If you are planning on heading to Europe this year, make sure you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy.

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies offer 4 levels of cover, Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip options and include cover for the following:

Click here to find out more about our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.