Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Bulgaria, and other EU nations are set to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), prompting a UK government travel advisory for British holidaymakers.
Following a revised timeline endorsed by EU Home Affairs Ministers on March 5, 2025, the EES is now scheduled to launch in October 2025, with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to follow in late 2026.
British travelers will face biometric registration—fingerprints and facial scans—upon entering the Schengen Area, potentially leading to delays at airports, ferry ports, and land borders. UK officials urge holidaymakers to prepare for longer wait times and new procedures.
UK Warns of Travel Changes as EU Updates Entry/Exit System Timeline
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for Britons traveling to EU countries in light of the revised Entry/Exit System (EES) schedule. On March 5, 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers confirmed that the EES, an automated biometric border system for non-EU nationals, will roll out in October 2025, with a phased introduction over six months. This shift delays the original October 2024 target, giving border authorities and transport operators more time to adapt. The ETIAS, requiring pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt non-EU nationals, is now slated for the last quarter of 2026. Here’s what British travelers need to know.
Understanding the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES is a digital border management system designed to register non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, traveling for short stays across the external borders of 29 European countries. Replacing manual passport stamps, it will log biometric data—fingerprints and facial images—alongside passport details to modernize Schengen border controls, simplify processes, and combat identity fraud. The system will enforce the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period for visa-exempt travelers and short-stay visa holders.
How the EES Will Operate
At EU entry points, British travelers will:
- Use self-service kiosks to scan passports and provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans).
- Register entry details, such as date and location.
This data will be stored for three years, streamlining future visits to biometric checks only. Officials will use handheld devices where kiosks are unavailable, such as at land borders. Once adopted, the phased rollout, endorsed on March 5, 2025, will span six months, easing the transition for border staff and transport hubs.
Effects on Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and Dover Travelers
The UK is investing £3.5 million each in Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover to support the EES launch:
- Eurostar: 50 kiosks across three sites aim to expedite registration.
- Eurotunnel: Over 100 kiosks will add about five minutes per traveler.
- Port of Dover: 24 kiosks for coaches and mobile tablets for cars are planned, though peak-season delays remain a concern.
Purpose of the EES
The European Commission developed the EES to enhance border security and efficiency, with goals to:
- Digitize entry/exit tracking.
- Identify overstays and watchlist individuals.
- Support counterterrorism and crime prevention.
- Improve processing through automation.
- Inform visa policies with reliable data.
The EES will complement the ETIAS, set for late 2026, requiring UK travelers to secure pre-travel authorization.
Impact on British Travelers
Key changes include:
- Biometric Registration: No more stamps; fingerprints and facial scans are mandatory on first entry.
- Possible Delays: Initial registration may extend border wait times.
- Stay Monitoring: Digital logs enforce the 90-day limit.
- Overstay Penalties: Alerts could trigger fines or bans for exceeding limits.
Updated EES and ETIAS Timeline
On March 5, 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a new timeline: the EES will begin in October 2025, with a six-month phased start once regulations are finalized and member states signal readiness. The European Commission will set the exact launch date. ETIAS will follow in the last quarter of 2026. UK officials recommend staying informed via gov.uk and planning for extra border time.
Tips for British Travelers
- Anticipate delays at busy entry points and allow extra time.
- Track your 90-day Schengen limit with online tools.
- Monitor FCDO updates for the latest travel advice.
Spain, Greece, France, and other EU destinations will enforce the EES starting October 2025, signaling biometric borders ahead. While aimed at improving security, the phased rollout may bring delays and new rules. UK holidaymakers should prepare for these shifts when planning European trips later this year.