EU Entry Exit System to Collect Biometric Data of Travelers from October 2025: The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced on 12 October 2025. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.
The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not within the Schengen area, and therefore, EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.
Biometric Details
If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.
Travelling to the Schengen areas
When EES is introduced, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will need 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 will complete EES checks when you arrive at your destination. The checks may take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait during busy times.
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
If you frequently travel to the Schengen area for work or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. You must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual Member State you plan to travel to, or through.
Your digital EES 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 from overstaying.
EES is part of the wider work the EU is doing to strengthen its border security. In 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 announce 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 20 Euro fee, as part of the authorisation process.