The European Union’s (EU’s) Entry/Exit System (EES) was first on our radar in early 2022, and we have kept up with its progress over the last few years.
The EES was originally slated to be implemented in November 2024. Described as “the most modern digital border management system in the world”. After testing, the delayed launch is now set to take place on Saturday 12th October 2025 for countries within the Schengen area.
Whether you plan to travel to the Schengen area this year or later, it’s worth understanding what the EES is. The information below will help you to become fully aware of what to expect and how to factor it into your travel plans before Saturday 12th October.
What is the EU’s Entry/Exit System?
The EES is an automated IT system that will operate at airports and ports when you first arrive in the Schengen area. It will register all the movements of “third-country nationals” (visitors from non-EU countries) who’ve booked a short stay in 25 EU member-state countries (it will not apply in Ireland or Cyprus) and Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
As British passport holders are classed as third-country nationals each time they travel from the UK to an EU country, they will be required to join a new queue. Passports (or other travel documents) will then be scanned at an automated self-service kiosk before UK citizens are free to cross the border.
The scanning process uses sophisticated new technology. The first time a British citizen completes the process, their biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be captured in a dedicated booth and recorded on the system. Also, the time, date and place of their entry/exit will be registered so that the duration of their authorised stay can be calculated.
The scan is in addition to the following checks that border officials are required to note:
- The purpose of your visit
- That you haven’t stayed for over 90 days within the past 180 days
- You have an onward or return ticket, alongside additional money to fund the entire length of your stay
Where will EES checks take place?
In Europe, within the Schengen area, the EES will affect your trip when you arrive and leave an airport or port.
When travelling via the Port of Dover or by train on the Eurostar or the Eurotunnel (leaving the UK at Folkestone), you’ll need to complete the EES process when passing through passport control in the UK when departing. This is because there is a dual border at these departure points – for both Britain and France. When leaving the Schengen area via port, Eurostar or Eurotunnel, you may need to provide your fingerprint or photo too.
UK travellers going to the Schengen area by Eurostar from London St Pancras International will be required to use self-service pre-registration kiosks. They will be located in three different areas of the station. You’ll need to make a stop at these before going through the ticket barriers.
You may be questioning how long the queues will be at peak times when the EES comes into force at Dover. There’s no need to worry. £10.5 million has been pledged by the government to prepare the port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel for the upcoming EU digital border system.
The UK government continues to work with the European Commission, EU member states, local authorities and the travel industry to help all UK ports prepare for the EES. In addition, if you have accessibility needs, provisions have been put in place to assist you further.