Entry exit system update: what the EU’s new EES border checks mean for your next holiday

The EU’s new border checks, launched in late 2025, are known as the Entry/Exit System(EES) and have led to longer queues for UK passport holders at some airports and ports.

The next time you travel to Europe, things at the border will probably work differently. The EU has introduced new border checks called the Entry/Exit System (EES). Then, adding to the abbreviations is Etias - a new visa waiver due in 2026.

These changes will mean that all third-party nationals arriving in Schengen countries, including UK passport holders since Brexit, will need to register their biometrics. EES launched on 12 October 2025, and involves having your fingerprints and/or a facial scan taken at dedicated EES kiosks, or by a border officer, as well as answering questions about the reason for your visit. 

This takes place on your arrival at European airports or – with Eurostar and the Port of Dover – before you clear French passport control in the UK. Checks are in place at the Port of Dover, and for some Eurostar passengers. 

Registering for EES takes a few minutes, which leads to longer queues in some airports. It’s difficult for UK travellers to anticipate whether they will face extra queues, because EES is being rolled out slowly – some countries or airports have not yet fully implemented the new checks. Airports and ports can, and have, suspended the system if it’s causing long queues.

It’s been a particular problem at some Spanish and Portuguese airports, where large numbers of UK holidaymakers arriving at the same time have caused long queues. This has resulted in some airports, such as Lisbon, to suspend EES checks. 

The system is still due to be fully implemented across the 29 Schengen countries by 10 April 2026. That includes popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France and Italy, but not Ireland or Cyprus. 

Then, adding to the abbreviations is Etias: a new visa waiver that British travellers will have to pay for to visit Europe. Although this is due to be introduced in late 2026, it won’t be mandatory for UK passport holders until early 2027. 

If you’re travelling to or from Europe, here’s what you need to know for a hassle-free trip.

What happens at the border with EES?

The new digital Entry/Exit System requires all non-EU passport holders, including those with British passports, to be fingerprinted and photographed at border control. 

When the system is fully operational (from 10 April 2026), travellers of all ages will be subject to these border checks, although children under 12 won't have to give fingerprints.

This will usually be done at new, dedicated automated kiosks, alternatively, by a border officer when arriving overseas at airports and, for Eurostar/Eurotunnel and at the Port of Dover, before leaving the UK. 

Visitors will also have to answer questions about the length of their stay and whether they have enough money to fund their trip 

Although the system will ultimately replace passport stamping, for now, UK passport holders will still need to get their passport stamped at the border, in addition to EES checks.

Has EES started yet?

Yes, although the launch date of 12 October 2025 was a progressive start date. There will be a gradual launch of different parts of the biometric system, in case of technical issues. This means that not all your biometric data will be collected when you next travel. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual until the full implementation from 10 April 2026. 

It applies across all Schengen countries, including Bulgaria and Romania. The only exceptions are Ireland, which shares a Common Travel Area with the UK, and Cyprus, which will operate border controls separately.

It is being rolled out across Europe – including at popular airports in Spain such as Madrid-Barajas, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, and at Paris and Brussels. 

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I’m travelling to the EU soon — will I be held up by EES?

It's difficult to be sure whether EES will be in place at your destination, as even airports that have introduced EES aren't registering all passengers. 

Where the checks are in place, you will probably spend more time at the border, and that may lead to queues.

Do I have to do anything for EES?

No, apart from checking your passport validity and that you’re following the 90/180-day Schengen rule. 

There’s no advance registration or paperwork needed before you travel. 

However, it’s worth allowing extra time for your journey. For example, when booking transfers and car hire or other onward travel, take into consideration that you may wait longer than normal to exit the airport. You may want to ensure that your car hire company doesn’t impose a penalty for late pick-up – and warn it if you’re delayed.

For peace of mind, you can also double-check the entry requirements of your destination by checking its FCDO Foreign Travel Advice page.

What’s the official Entry/Exit system start date?

EES launched on 12 October 2025 but it's a progressive roll-out, meaning different European countries will introduce different parts of this process in different phases. 

The European Commission has confirmed that, until April 2026, your photo and fingerprints may not necessarily be collected at every border crossing, and your information may not necessarily be registered in the system. Passports will also continue to be stamped as usual until April 2026. 

When fully rolled out, the EES will replace passport stamping and will help the EU to more closely track whether travellers are respecting the EU’s 90/180-day rule. This rule means British travellers cannot stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days in any 180-day stretch.

Can I now use e-Gates at European airports?

Not yet. Although some airports, such as airports in Germany and Bulgaria, along with Lisbon and Faro in Portugal, and Rome Fiumicino, are already allowing UK travellers through the e-Gates - and it is hoped more will do so in future.

Even if you do go through an e-Gate, you’ll still get your passport stamped by a border guard afterwards. It’s crucial to approach the passport desk to have your passport stamped, otherwise you could face problems about the length of your stay.

Is it true that I’ll be asked about travel insurance or money, when travelling to Europe?

You may be asked when registering for EES if you have enough money to cover your stay. But we haven’t found any instances of British passport holders being refused entry on the basis of their answer. 

Rumours of British tourists being fined under Spain’s '£97-a-day' rule  are unfounded. The rule has long existed and technically applies to UK visitors post-Brexit, but Spanish authorities confirmed to Which? that it’s not enforced against British tourists, and none have been refused entry. That said, it’s sensible to carry a return ticket and accommodation details in case you’re asked.

Do I need travel insurance because of EES?

Again, this is unlikely. Some countries in the Schengen area list travel insurance as a requirement for entry, but it’s not a rule that has ever been used to deny entry to UK travellers, as far as we’re aware. When Eurostar first introduced EES, passengers were asked about travel insurance, but this and other questions have been dropped until at least April 2026.

Either way, securing travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked a trip is advisable. While a UK Ehic/Ghic card can cover medically necessary state healthcare in the EU, it won’t cover private treatment or repatriation. Plus, travel insurance will protect you against wider issues, including cancellations or lost baggage.

Do you need to apply for EES?

No. Just prepare for extra border checks. You may be able to pre-register on an official app called Travel to Europe in future, but at the moment this is only available if you’re travelling to Sweden.

What is the EES app, also known as the Travel to Europe App?

The EU has created an app, called Travel to Europe, that allows travellers to pre-register their passport information, upload a photo, and answer the questions asked at kiosks up to 72 hours before arriving at border control. It's not yet available for download in the UK but is being piloted in Sweden.

How does EES affect travel by Eurostar, Eurotunnel and at the Port of Dover?

In this case, EES checks will take place at kiosks on the UK side. The roll-out of these checks has been staggered, and will continue until full implementation in April 2026.

Eurostar says that EES is being launched gradually and that there will be minimal changes for the first few months. It is currently asking some Eurostar Premier passengers, or those travelling with Carte Blanche or Étoile Club Eurostar membership to register with EES at a pre-registration kiosk.

It says it will provide a further update regarding when EES registration will be mandatory for all passengers, including information on how it impacts their travel plans, and will do so “well in advance.” Which? has reached out to Eurostar to ask for an approximate timeline.

The Home Office says there are kiosks to register passengers before their journeys, and in October 2025 confirmed plans for 49 kiosks for Eurostar, 106 for Eurotunnel, and at Dover 72 for cars and 12 for coaches in an email to Which?.

However, it has also warned of delays caused by EES across airports, the Eurotunnel, Eurostar and Port of Dover in a statement.

What is Etias?

Another change that British travellers should prepare for is the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), otherwise known as a visa-waiver scheme, due to be phased in from late 2026 (currently forecast for October). 

When it is fully implemented — which isn't expected until April 2027 — all holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €20 (around £17) before travelling. The authorisation is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

I’m travelling to Europe – do I need an Etias?

Not yet. Etias has been postponed several times and is now expected in late 2026, after EES has fully launched. There will be at least a six-month transition period and then an additional grace period before it becomes mandatory for UK passport holders. 

When Etias launches, UK travellers will need it to travel to all the following states:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia (aka the Czech Republic), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

It's currently unclear whether travellers will need one to visit non-Schengen microstates such as Andorra or Monaco.