The Foreign Office today informed anyone travelling to 29 European countries that the EU is planning a major change towards the end of the year. In a series of updates on its website today, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said people will encounter the new Entry/Exit system (EES) from October.
Countries affected are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The EES is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area and has been delayed a number of times, but the EU has said it is aiming for it to be active by October.
The Foreign Office said :”If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
“EES is expected to start in October 2025. It is not currently in operation. The European Union will inform about the specific start date of the EES before its launch.”
If you are travelling to the Schengen area
When EES is introduced, you will need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will be required to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.
You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you may experience longer queue times when you arrive at your destination.
At some ports and international stations (Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras), there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK. If you are travelling through one of these stations, you should check with your travel operator to find out whether EES will affect your journey.
Your digital record is valid for 3 years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.
Why the EU is introducing EES
EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.
EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security. In the last quarter of 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS before its launch.
When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a 7 Euro fee, as part of the authorisation process.
The EU has already set out more information on ETIAS, including what information will be required from each nationality, on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
How EES will affect travelling to the Schengen area
The Foreign Office said: “The UK government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES. The government is supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for people travelling to the Schengen area.
“UK government support includes providing Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover with £3.5 million each, to spend on registration kiosks and infrastructure. Eurostar expects EES registration to be quick and easy. It will have 50 kiosks across 3 locations at stations for people to carry out the checks.
“Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks and estimate EES checks will add just over 5 minutes to journey times. Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register passengers in cars using agents and tablets to make the process as straightforward as possible.”
Find out more information on the EES initiative on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.