If you’re planning a holiday to Europe later this year, there’s an important update you can’t afford to ignore. Starting 12 October 2025, UK nationals visiting the EU will face new entry requirements under the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
The UK Home Office has already issued a fresh advisory, warning that British travellers will soon need to register their fingerprints and have their photograph taken when entering or leaving Europe. This marks one of the biggest post-Brexit travel changes yet, and it could lead to longer queues at border crossings—particularly during the rollout phase.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s changing, who it affects, how the new system works, and what you should do to prepare for trips to Europe in late 2025 and beyond.
What Is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new, automated EU border control system that will replace passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area.
Instead of having your passport physically stamped, your details will be logged digitally. The system will record:
- Your passport details (scanned at the border)
- Your fingerprints (required for travellers aged 12 and over)
- Your photograph (required for everyone, including infants)
- Your date and place of entry/exit
This data will then be stored for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. On future trips, you’ll only need to scan your passport and provide either a fingerprint or photograph to confirm your identity.
The EES is being introduced to:
- Tighten border security across the Schengen zone.
- Replace outdated passport stamping methods.
- Track compliance with the 90-day visa-free travel rule for non-EU visitors.
Why Is the EES Being Introduced?
Since Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals when travelling to the EU. This means they no longer enjoy the free movement rights they once had as EU citizens.
The EU has argued that the EES will:
- Strengthen security checks at the border.
- Help monitor how long non-EU citizens are staying in Europe.
- Reduce the risk of overstaying the 90/180 day limit.
- Provide a digital record instead of manual passport stamps, which can sometimes be inconsistent or unclear.
In other words, while the system might create some travel delays in the short term, the long-term goal is to make border crossings smoother and more efficient.
When Does the New System Start?
The official launch date for the EES is set for 12 October 2025.
However, the rollout will be phased in gradually across EU member states and Schengen-associated countries. The full implementation is expected by April 2026, meaning that:
- Some airports, ports, and land crossings may start applying the rules immediately in October.
- Others may take several months to install the necessary systems and infrastructure.
This means the exact experience for travellers may vary depending on which EU country you’re entering and at what time during the rollout.
Which Countries Will Require EES Registration?
The EES will apply to all Schengen area countries, which include:
- Most EU nations (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.)
- Non-EU Schengen states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
Important exclusions:
- Ireland – Not part of the Schengen area, so EES does not apply.
- Cyprus – Not yet applying Schengen rules, so EES won’t apply here either.
So, if you’re heading to Dublin or Nicosia, your travel experience won’t change under these rules. But if you’re going skiing in Switzerland, backpacking in Germany, or hitting the beaches in Spain, the new procedures will apply.
How Will It Work for British Travellers?
Here’s what the process will look like for UK nationals under the new EES rules:
- First Visit After October 12
- You’ll need to register at the border.
- This involves scanning your passport, providing fingerprints (if over 12), and taking a photograph.
- The process should take 1–2 minutes per traveller, according to EU estimates.
- Subsequent Visits (Within 3 Years)
- Once registered, your details remain valid for three years or until your passport expires.
- For future trips, you’ll simply scan your passport and provide a biometric check (either a fingerprint or photo).
- Children and Infants
- Under 12: Exempt from fingerprinting.
- All children, including infants, must still have their photograph taken.
- Exemptions
- UK nationals with Withdrawal Agreement residence permits in the EU.
- UK-EU dual nationals travelling on their EU passport.
Where Will Checks Take Place?
For many UK travellers, the first EES check will happen before you even leave Britain.
- Eurotunnel (Folkestone)
- Port of Dover (ferry passengers)
- Eurostar (St Pancras International, London)
These are known as juxtaposed border controls, where EU border officers check passports on UK soil before departure.
This means you could face longer queues in Dover or St Pancras rather than upon arrival in France or Belgium. Airports will also conduct these checks at departure points.
How Long Will It Take?
EU officials estimate that the biometric checks will take one to two minutes per passenger.
However, travel experts warn that during peak holiday periods, the process could create serious bottlenecks—particularly at high-traffic points like Dover and Folkestone.
In fact, during the first months of rollout, delays are almost certain. The UK government itself has advised travellers to allow more time for journeys once the EES comes into effect.
Impact on UK Holidaymakers
This is where the impact will really be felt. Here’s what British travellers should expect:
- Longer queues at border crossings – especially in the first year of rollout.
- Delays during busy travel seasons – school holidays, Christmas, Easter, summer peak.
- No extra cost – unlike some travel permits, the EES registration is free.
- Less hassle after first registration – once enrolled, future trips should be quicker.
Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover have already announced they are preparing infrastructure and staffing to reduce disruption, but there are limits to what they can do if passenger traffic is heavy.
What About the EU’s ETIAS?
Alongside the EES, travellers should also be aware of the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
This is a separate scheme—essentially a digital visa waiver—similar to the U.S. ESTA system.
- Expected to launch in 2026.
- Cost: €7 per adult traveller (under 18s exempt).
- Valid for 3 years.
This means that in the near future, UK travellers will need to:
- Register under the EES (biometrics at the border).
- Apply for ETIAS approval online before travelling.
For now, however, ETIAS is not yet in force. The EES is the immediate change.
What UK Officials Are Saying
The Home Office has been clear that the new system will be a “significant change” for British travellers.
A government spokesperson noted:
“While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public. While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in.”
The advice is simple: plan ahead, expect delays, and don’t cut timings too close when booking ferries, trains, or connecting flights.
Practical Travel Tips for UK Nationals
Here are a few ways to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible once the new rules are in place:
- Arrive Early – Build extra time into your travel schedule, particularly at ports and train stations.
- Keep Documents Ready – Have your passport open and be prepared for fingerprints/photos.
- Travel Off-Peak – If possible, avoid peak school holiday weekends, which are most likely to see delays.
- Update Passports – If your passport is close to expiry, renew it early, since EES registration will expire when the passport does.
- Travel with Patience – The system is new, and the first months may be frustrating. Expect teething problems.
Who Won’t Be Affected?
- Travellers to Ireland or Cyprus – These countries aren’t part of the EES system.
- UK-EU dual nationals travelling with an EU passport.
- British residents with Withdrawal Agreement rights in EU countries.
For everyone else, the new rules apply.
Final Thoughts
The EU Entry/Exit System represents a big change for UK nationals travelling to Europe. From October 2025, British holidaymakers will no longer just flash their passport and move on. Instead, they’ll need to complete a biometric registration on their first trip and prepare for possible delays at ports and airports.
While the process should be relatively quick after the first registration, the early months are likely to bring frustration for travellers and challenges for border staff.
The good news? The system is designed to streamline travel in the long run, improve security, and replace the outdated stamping system.
For now, the best thing UK travellers can do is stay informed, allow extra time, and be ready for a bit of patience as Europe transitions to this new border control era.
