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Understanding the new EU Entry/ Exit System (EES)

  • nikkicurran
  • Oct 10
  • 3 min read
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This week I joined a really useful webinar with Louise Nicholls, Head of Institutional and International Engagement, EU Relations Secretariat at the Cabinet Office. She gave an update on the new EU Entry/ Exit System (EES) launching on 12 October 2025.


This is one of the biggest changes for UK travellers to Europe since Brexit. If you’re heading to the continent after October, it’s really important to understand how it works and most importantly, how much extra time you’ll need at the airport or border.



What is EES?


EES is an automated EU border system that will replace passport stamping. It applies to all non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, entering or leaving the 29 Schengen area countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).


Note: You do not need to do EES when travelling to Ireland or Cyprus.


The main aim is to properly track the 90/ 180-day rule - you can only stay 90 days in every 180 within the Schengen zone. Overstaying will now be flagged much more easily, and penalties can include fines or even bans of up to three years.



How does EES work?


On arrival at a Schengen border, you’ll need to:


  • Scan your passport at a kiosk

  • Provide fingerprints and a photo

  • Answer a few border questions, eg purpose of visit, length of stay, funds, travel/ health insurance


This happens on entry and exit to/ from the Schengen area, not when moving between Schengen countries.


Your details will be stored for three years (or until your passport expires). On repeat visits you’ll usually only need to provide a photo or fingerprints, making the process quicker.


Children under 12 won’t need fingerprints but will still be photographed. Even babies will need to be registered.



Where will you do EES?


  • Airports - At border control after you land. Expect longer queues than usual during the first year.

  • Eurostar (St Pancras) - At kiosks before boarding. From 12 October 2025, this starts with Business Class passengers, with full rollout later.

  • Eurotunnel (Folkestone) - Border guards will collect data from car passengers before boarding.

  • Dover - Similar process before boarding ferries.

  • Cruises - If your cruise starts and ends in the UK with short European stops, you won’t need EES. If your cruise ends in Europe, you’ll complete EES when disembarking.



When is it happening?


  • Launch date: 12 October 2025

  • Six-month phased rollout - not all borders will be live straight away. During rollout you may still get passport stamps.

  • The UK government has already provided £10.5 million funding to Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar to support the border infrastructure needed for EES.



Accessibility and families


  • Children under 12 won’t need fingerprints, but will still need a photo.

  • There are no separate “family” or “business” queues - everyone must complete EES.

  • Border guards will help anyone with accessibility needs (eg wheelchair users, those who need extra processing time, or where kiosks aren’t suitable).



Who is exempt?


  • British citizens with Withdrawal Agreement residence documents in an EU country

  • UK-EU dual citizens using their EU passport



What travellers must do


Here’s the key part: Allow more time than usual at the airport or port.


Even though the checks are expected to take 1-2 minutes per person, queues will be longer while travellers and staff get used to the new process. This applies especially at busy times, and particularly at UK juxtaposed borders (Dover, Folkestone, St Pancras) where checks are carried out before departure.


  • Be ready to answer the standard questions.

  • Keep track of your Schengen days (90/ 180 rule).

  • Factor the extra border time into your travel plans.


The EU has confirmed there will be longer waits during rollout. It’s better to be prepared than risk missing a connection.



Looking ahead


From 2026, EES will run alongside ETIAS (similar to the US ESTA), which will require travellers to apply and pay before travel.


Separately, the UK has already launched its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors to the UK who don’t need a visa.



Final thoughts


The EES is a big change, but it’s all about stronger border security and enforcing the 90/ 180-day rule.


The key message is simple: Arrive earlier than normal for your flight or train to Europe once EES is in place.


As always, if you’re booking your trip through NC Travel, I’ll keep you updated every step of the way and make sure you know exactly what to expect.

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