What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place. Here’s what you need to know, who it applies to, and what it means for British travellers and travel insurance.

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

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU’s new digital border system used at airports, ferry ports, and land borders for non-EU travellers - including UK citizens.

It replaces passport stamping with electronic checks, recording your:

• passport details
• facial image
• fingerprints

The aim is to better track short stays, prevent overstays, and strengthen border security across the Schengen Area. 

Early rollout has led to longer queues and some disruption at some border crossings, as travellers are required to register their biometric details. However, once registered, future trips should be quicker. 

What is the EES start date? Latest updates on the rollout

The EES began rolling out on 12 October 2025, with implementation taking place gradually across Schengen borders.

Rather than launching everywhere at once, airports, ports, and land crossings are introducing the system in stages. This means the experience can vary depending on where and when you travel.

As the system continues to bed in, some locations may still be processing travellers more smoothly than others, particularly during busy periods or at high-traffic borders.

For example, some border points - such as in Greece - have eased biometric registration requirements for UK travellers until further notice, reflecting the ongoing transition.

Travellers may therefore experience differences in processing times and procedures across the Schengen Area.

Who does the EES apply to?

If you are travelling on a UK passport, the EES will apply when you enter the Schengen Area.

It covers non-EU nationals visiting for short stays such as tourism, business trips, study, or visiting family.

EU citizens and most Schengen residents are not affected. Some exemptions also apply, including certain residence permit holders and specific diplomatic categories.

Children travelling on a UK passport are included in the system, although fingerprints are not taken from those under 12.

Which countries will be using the new EES?

The EES applies across the Schengen Area, covering most places people visit when they travel to Europe.

EU countries in the Schengen Area

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Non-EU Schengen associated countries

These countries outside of the EU participate in Schengen and will also use the EES:

• Iceland
• Norway
• Switzerland

Is the Entry/Exit System different from the ETIAS?

Yes - they are two separate systems with different purposes:

• EES: A biometric registration system at the border. It records when non-EU travellers enter or leave the Schengen Area using fingerprints, a facial image, and passport information.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): An online travel authorisation that travellers must apply for before they travel. It checks security and immigration risks in advance but does not replace biometric border checks.

Do I need to apply for the EES in advance?

No. There is no EES application required for UK travellers before departure.

When you arrive in the Schengen Area, you’ll complete the process at the border. This is when your passport details are checked and your photo and fingerprints are taken.

There is also an official EU “Travel to Europe” app, which in some places can be used to enter certain details before you travel. The aim is to make things quicker at the border.

However, this app is still being rolled out and is currently only available in Sweden and Portugal.

For most travellers, everything will still happen at the border on your first trip. Once you’ve registered, future journeys should be quicker because your details are stored in the system.

What to expect depending on your entry route

How the EES process works depends on how you’re travelling into Europe.

If you enter the Schengen Area via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International, your EES registration will take place at the border before you leave the UK.

This applies to travellers going by car, coach, or on foot using these routes.

If you’re flying, you’ll usually complete the process when you arrive at your first airport in the Schengen Area, before passing through border control.

In all cases, your passport will be checked, and your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) will be recorded as part of the process.

Will there be delays and queues?

Some delays are possible, especially at busy border points and during peak travel times while the system is still being rolled out.

The main cause is the extra time needed for first-time registration, when your photo and fingerprints are taken. After that, the process should be quicker on future trips.

You may notice longer waits at certain airports, ports, or land crossings compared to usual, but this will vary depending on location and time of travel.

Border staff may adjust how things are managed on the day to help keep queues moving.

Travelling with children, older adults or additional needs

The EES is designed to work for all travellers, including families, older people, and those who need extra support.

Children under 12 don’t need to give fingerprints, but they will still have a photo taken. Some border points may also have family lanes to help keep groups together.

If you need extra help when travelling, support will be available at the border. The kiosks are designed to be accessible, and staff can assist if needed.

If you have a disability or health condition and can’t provide certain biometric data, alternative options may be available. Just let border staff know when you arrive, and they’ll guide you through the process.

School groups usually travel through together, with teachers or group leaders helping to manage the process. Some crossings may also have dedicated lanes or quicker processing for groups.

How your data is stored under EES

The EES records your passport details along with your photo and fingerprints.

This information is stored securely and used to help speed up future border crossings.

Your data is normally kept for up to 3 years after your last entry or exit. In some cases - such as if someone overstays or is refused entry - it may be kept for up to 5 years in line with border control rules.

Tips for Travelling in Europe with the EES

No matter how you enter the Schengen Area, it's useful to:

• Allow extra time at border control, especially during peak travel periods
• Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible
• Have accommodation and return or onwards travel details ready if asked
• Check for the latest updates before you travel, as rollout processes may vary by location
• Make sure your passport is valid for entry into the Schengen Area

Can I get travel insurance without the EES?

Yes, you can.

The EES is just a border system used when you enter and leave the Schengen area. It doesn’t affect whether you can buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance isn’t required to enter the Schengen area, but it’s still strongly recommended.

It can help cover things like:

• Your luggage being lost or stolen
• Getting ill or injured and needing medical assistance
• Needing to cancel your trip unexpectedly

Some policies may also include cover for travel disruption, but this isn’t always standard, so it’s worth checking your policy wording carefully.

Border officers may ask a few standard questions about your trip, such as how you’re funding your stay and whether you can cover medical costs. Travel insurance itself isn’t a requirement for entry.

You may also be asked to show you have enough money to support yourself during your trip, including any medical treatment if needed.

Something to note: Having a UK GHIC alongside travel insurance helps with medical cover if you become ill or injured during your trip, and some insurers may require you to have one where eligible.