Entry/Exit System (EES) Guide for UK Travellers

Section A: What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System, commonly referred to as EES, is a new EU border management scheme that will replace the stamping of passports for travellers from outside the European Union and Schengen Area. Instead of relying on manual stamps, the system will electronically record when a person enters and leaves the Schengen zone.

At its core, the EES is designed to capture and store biometric information such as fingerprints and facial images, alongside passport details. Each time a traveller crosses the border, their entry or exit will be logged in a central database. This means that an individual’s travel history, the number of days they have stayed, and whether they have complied with the 90 days in 180 allowance will all be tracked automatically.

EES records are retained for up to 3 years for compliant travellers, and up to 5 years where an overstay, refusal of entry, or other infringement is recorded.

The system is being introduced to strengthen security across the EU, reduce the problem of overstays and create a more consistent approach at all Schengen borders. Once it is fully established, the aim is to improve efficiency for travellers by removing the need for manual passport stamping, although some disruption is expected during the initial rollout period.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to roll out from October 2025 and will transform the way UK citizens are processed at European borders. For decades, border officers have stamped passports to track visits, but this manual process will be replaced with a digital system that automatically records arrivals and departures.

For UK travellers, the change is significant because post-Brexit rules mean British citizens are treated as non-EU nationals when entering the Schengen Area. Every visit will now be logged electronically, including biometric data, and compliance with the 90 days in 180 rule will be monitored automatically.

The EES is intended to strengthen border security, reduce overstays and speed up crossings in the long run. However, the early stages are expected to cause delays and confusion as travellers, carriers and border authorities adapt to the new requirements. This guide sets out what the EES is, when it will start, how it will affect UK travellers and business visitors, and what steps can be taken to prepare.

Section B: Who Does EES Apply To?

The EES applies to all travellers from outside the European Union and Schengen Area who cross an external Schengen border. For UK citizens, this means that every trip to a participating EU country or to Schengen members such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein will be recorded under the new system.

EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals who hold long-term residence permits issued by an EU or Schengen state, are not subject to the EES. They will continue to use their national identity cards or residence documents for entry and exit.

Non-EU nationals holding a Schengen long-stay visa (Type D) or a residence permit issued by a Schengen state are exempt from EES when entering that issuing state.

If travelling to or transiting through another Schengen state, local checks may still apply, but EES does not record short-stay movements for the duration covered by the long-stay visa or residence permit.

Children and young people are also affected. Biometric information such as fingerprints is usually required from the age of 12 upwards, while younger children will still have their travel recorded but without full biometric capture. Families should be prepared for additional time at border checkpoints when travelling with children for the first time under the new system.

Dual citizens who hold both a UK passport and an EU passport may avoid being processed under EES if they travel on their EU passport. However, the choice of passport must be consistent for entry and exit on each trip, as switching between documents can create inconsistencies in the travel record.

Section C: EES Start Date & Rollout Timeline

The Entry/Exit System is scheduled to begin operation on 12 October 2025. From this date, UK nationals and other non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area will gradually start to be registered in the new system. The introduction will not be instantaneous across all borders. Instead, a phased rollout is planned to allow different countries and border points to implement the technology in stages.

During the first months, some airports, seaports and land crossings will adopt the system before others. Travellers may therefore experience inconsistent processes depending on their route. For example, one airport may still stamp passports while another will already be registering travellers through biometric kiosks. This period of transition is expected to last until April 2026.

By 10 April 2026 the system should be fully operational at all external Schengen borders. At that point, manual stamping of passports for non-EU nationals will be completely replaced by the electronic recording of entries and exits. The transitional phase is designed to ease pressure on border authorities and to identify and resolve any technical or logistical problems before full enforcement begins.

Section D: How the EES Works at Borders

When the system is in place, travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries will undergo a digital registration process the first time they cross an external Schengen border. At this initial entry, the traveller’s passport will be scanned and biometric data taken, which typically includes four fingerprints and a facial image. This initial biometric enrolment is mandatory at the first Schengen entry after rollout; on subsequent trips, identity is verified against the stored profile, making processing faster.
The system will also record basic details such as the date and place of entry.

Once the first registration has been completed, the traveller’s data is stored in the central EES database. For subsequent trips, border checks should become faster because the biometric and personal information is already on record. Instead of taking full prints again, the system will verify the traveller’s identity against the stored profile.

The process is expected to involve automated kiosks at many airports, ports and land crossings, although manual checks will remain available for those unable to use the machines. Travellers should be prepared to answer routine questions about the purpose of their stay, accommodation details and return travel plans.

On departure, passports will again be scanned and the exit logged into the system. This ensures that the duration of stay is recorded accurately and that the traveller’s use of their 90 days in any 180-day period is automatically monitored.

Section E: Impact on UK Travellers

For UK nationals, the introduction of the EES will fundamentally change how time spent in the Schengen Area is tracked. Until now, travellers have relied on passport stamps to evidence compliance with the 90 days in any 180-day rule. With the new system, entries and exits will be logged automatically and overstays will be flagged without the need for manual checks. This leaves less margin for error and reduces the likelihood of disputes about travel history.

In the early months, travellers should expect longer queues and delays at some border points as officials and passengers adjust to the new procedures. Airports and ports handling large volumes of UK travellers, such as those serving Spain, France and Italy, may experience particular disruption. Eurostar and Eurotunnel services are also expected to be affected, as the juxtaposed controls at UK terminals will need to integrate the new checks.

Once the rollout has settled, the system should offer smoother processing for repeat travellers because biometric data will already be stored. However, the automated nature of the system means travellers who previously relied on discretion or flexibility at border control will now face strict enforcement of Schengen stay limits.

Border guards retain discretion to refuse entry on other grounds (for example, unclear purpose of stay, insufficient means, or missing accommodation details). However, once an overstay is flagged by EES, enforcement is effectively non-discretionary and is likely to result in penalties or refusal of entry on future trips.

Section F: Special Cases & Edge Scenarios

Certain types of travel raise additional considerations under the EES. Cruise passengers, for example, may find that their entry point into the Schengen Area is treated differently depending on the port of embarkation. Where the first stop is within the zone, biometric registration will take place on arrival, and the stay will count towards the 90 in 180-day limit.

Multi-leg journeys that involve different entry and exit points may also cause complications. Travellers entering by air and departing by land, or vice versa, will still have both movements recorded, but variations in border facilities could lead to longer processing times or additional questions.

Anyone travelling on multiple passports should take care to use the same document for both entry and exit. You should always enter and exit with the same passport on each trip; switching documents mid-journey can create record inconsistencies that may appear as an overstay. Switching passports mid-trip risks creating inconsistencies in the record that may appear as an overstay. Similarly, if a passport is lost or replaced during the validity of an EES record, the traveller may need to provide additional evidence to border officials to reconcile the data.

Frequent travellers such as cross-border workers or those with family ties in more than one country may find the system restrictive. Their movements will be closely monitored, and exemptions are limited. In rare cases, biometric registration can fail due to technical issues or physical difficulties in capturing fingerprints, which may result in manual intervention and longer processing times.

Section G: Employer & Business Traveller Considerations

The EES has significant implications for employers with staff who travel regularly into the Schengen Area for business. Under the current system, the stamping of passports has been inconsistent, and in some cases this has allowed for a degree of flexibility when assessing whether time limits have been breached. The move to an electronic system removes that flexibility. Every day spent in the Schengen Area will be logged automatically, leaving no room for interpretation if an employee overstays.

For global mobility teams, this raises clear compliance risks. Even a short overstay can trigger fines, refusal of entry on future trips or complications when applying for visas or work permits. Employers must therefore ensure that staff itineraries are planned with the 90 days in any 180-day allowance in mind, and that time spent in different countries is tracked centrally.

Operationally, employers should prepare for delays at borders during the first months of implementation, particularly for frequent travellers. Meetings, client visits and assignments may be disrupted if staff are caught in longer queues or face additional questioning during registration. Business continuity plans should take account of the possibility of missed connections or late arrivals.

Strategically, the introduction of EES is a reminder that business travel cannot be managed in isolation from wider immigration rules. Employers will need to update travel policies, provide training for managers and employees, and consider whether some activities might instead require work authorisation. Planning ahead will be vital to avoid compliance breaches and to maintain smooth business operations across Europe.

Section H: Preparing for Travel Under EES

Travellers should take steps in advance to reduce the risk of problems at the border once the system goes live. The first priority is to ensure that passports are valid, in good condition and machine-readable. A biometric passport is strongly recommended since it will be easier to process through automated kiosks.

Extra time should be built into travel schedules, especially during the first months of operation. Longer queues are expected, and missing a flight or train connection because of delays at border control will be a real risk until the process settles. For families or groups, it is sensible to keep documents organised and to approach border kiosks together so that information is processed consistently.

Supporting documents should also be kept readily available. Border officers may ask for evidence of accommodation, return travel bookings or proof of sufficient funds, particularly during the early phase while systems and staff adjust. Having these to hand will help prevent delays.

If a traveller is refused entry or encounters a problem with biometric registration, it is important to remain calm and request clarification from the border officials. Where necessary, travellers should ask for written confirmation of the decision, which can assist in resolving the matter later or when planning future travel.

Section I: EES vs ETIAS and Other Travel Systems

The EES is often confused with ETIAS, but they serve different purposes. The EES is a border management system that records the movement of non-EU travellers in and out of the Schengen Area. It focuses on biometric data and digital records, replacing the manual process of stamping passports. Travellers are automatically registered at the border without needing to make an application in advance.

ETIAS, in contrast, is a pre-travel authorisation system that is expected to launch in 2026. UK citizens and other non-EU nationals who do not require a visa for short visits will need to obtain ETIAS approval before travelling. The application will be completed online, involve a security check and a small fee, and must be secured before departure.

The two systems will operate alongside each other. EES will log the physical entry and exit of travellers at the border, while ETIAS will function like a screening tool before departure. Together they are intended to strengthen security and streamline border processes across Europe. Travellers will therefore need to be aware of both systems, ensuring they secure ETIAS authorisation in future as well as complying with EES requirements when crossing the border.

Section J: Need Assistance?

The Entry/Exit System will change the way UK travellers experience European borders. While the long-term aim is smoother and more secure crossings, the early phases are expected to bring challenges for both individuals and employers. Delays, stricter enforcement of the 90-day rule and the added layer of biometric registration all create new risks that require careful preparation.

If you are a traveller concerned about how the changes may affect your plans, or an employer managing staff mobility into Europe, it pays to take advice early. An immigration specialist can help you understand the new requirements, assess risks for frequent travellers or business visitors, and put processes in place to remain compliant.

For tailored guidance on EES and wider mobility planning, speak to our team today. We can provide clear, practical advice to ensure you and your organisation are ready for the rollout.

Section K: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for EES before travelling?

No. The system is applied automatically at the border. Travellers do not need to complete an application or pay a fee before departure.

Will every border point use EES immediately?

Not straight away. From October 2025 the system will be phased in, meaning some airports and ports will adopt it before others. By April 2026 it should be fully operational.

Are children subject to EES checks?

Yes, but biometric requirements differ by age. Fingerprints are usually taken from the age of 12, while younger children will have their travel recorded without full biometric capture.

What happens if I overstay under the new system?

Overstays will be flagged automatically. This can lead to fines, refusal of entry on future visits or complications in securing visas or permits. There is less scope for discretion once the system is active.

Is my data secure under EES?

Data is stored in a central EU database with legal safeguards. As a rule, EES records are retained for up to 3 years for compliant travellers, and up to 5 years where an overstay, refusal of entry, or other infringement is recorded.

Can I use a second passport to avoid EES?

If you hold an EU passport, you can use it to travel and avoid EES registration. However, you must be consistent with the document you use to enter and exit. Switching passports during a trip can create errors in your travel record.

Section L: Glossary