What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

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

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU border control system that records the entry and exit of non-EU travellers, including British citizens.

It replaces the traditional manual passport stamping with a fully digital system, capturing:

• Passport information
• A facial photograph
• Fingerprints

The system is designed to:

• Track visa-free stays and help prevent overstays
• Strengthen border security and spot potential issues
• Improve border management across all external EU borders

The EES is being introduced at airports, land borders, and ferry ports across the Schengen Area. It ensures that every entry and exit is accurately recorded in a central EU database, helping authorities manage movement while speeding up future crossings for registered travellers.

What is the EES start date?

The EES officially launched on 12 October 2025.

The system is being introduced in phases over several months, so different border points will start using it gradually. This phased rollout is designed to ensure a smooth experience for travellers and help manage queues effectively.

Full implementation across all air, sea, and land borders is expected by 10 April 2026.

Who needs to use the EES?

The EES applies to all non-EU nationals, including British citizens, when travelling to countries in the Schengen Area. It applies regardless of the purpose of your trip, whether for tourism, business, study, or visiting family.

There are some exemptions to who needs to use the EES.

As a general rule, if your passport is normally stamped when you enter the Schengen Area, you will need to use the EES.

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, you do not need to apply for the EES ahead of time. All registration is completed at the border when you travel.

Because the system is still new, EU authorities are looking for ways to make the process smoother in the future. A mobile app is being developed that will allow travellers to complete part of the process before arriving, but it is not yet widely available or in regular use.

What to expect depending on your entry route

The exact process depends on how you travel, but the core steps are similar: your passport is scanned, a facial photo is taken, and fingerprints are collected for anyone aged 12 or over. These biometric details are stored for up to 3 years, so future trips are quicker once you are registered.

Air travel

If you are flying, EES registration generally happens at the first airport you arrive at in the EU. First-time travellers may need a few extra minutes for registration as their biometric details are captured and stored. On future trips, the process should be quicker because the system recognises you.

Ferry crossings

At Dover, the EES process takes place before you board the ferry. Travellers of all ages will usually use self-service kiosks to scan passports and take photos, and passengers aged 12 or over will also provide fingerprints. This applies to everyone, whether you’re travelling by car, van, or coach. Staff are available to help if needed, and in some cases registration may be completed directly by border control officers. After registration, vehicles continue through border control and other usual checks before boarding. Allow extra time, especially on your first trip or during busy periods.

Eurotunnel (Folkestone)

Biometric registration occurs before departure at a dedicated facility. All passengers scan passports and have a photo taken, with fingerprints required for those aged 12 or over. Children under 12 only need a photograph. The process is designed to move efficiently, but first-time travellers should allow a little extra time.

Eurostar - London St Pancras

At St Pancras, passengers complete EES registration at one of 49 kiosks in the terminal before heading to the departure area. The kiosks capture a passport scan, a photo, and fingerprints for travellers aged 12 and over. Children under 12 provide only a photo. Staff are on hand to assist, and manual passport stamping may continue during the phased rollout.

Tips for Travelling in Europe with the EES

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

• Have your passport ready - EES info is linked to it.
• Have accommodation, return/onwards ticket, and funds easily accessible.
• Allow extra time at borders, especially if travelling by car or ferry.
• Check for updates before you travel - procedures are being refined as the system rolls out.

Can I get travel insurance without the EES?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entering the Schengen area. However, it’s still strongly recommended.

Having a travel insurance policy can protect you in situations such as:

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

You may also be asked - either by a border officer or via an EES kiosk - whether you have travel insurance, specifically travel insurance with medical cover.

Answering “no” will not automatically stop you from entering, since insurance isn’t legally required. However, it may raise a red flag and lead to additional questions or checks.

For example, an officer may ask you to show proof that you have enough funds to pay for medical treatment if you were to get injured during your trip.

Tip: Having a UK GHIC alongside travel insurance helps ensure you are fully covered if you become ill or injured during your trip.