Europe’s new travel rules: EES & ETIAS explained

• What is EES?

  EES is the EU’s new digital border check. When you travel to most EU destinations, you’ll be asked for your fingerprints and a quick photo ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• When is EES being introduced?

  EES starts rolling out from 12 October 2025. The system will be phased in over six months, so you may find different border rules depending on when and ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Who does EES apply to?

  The system is for travellers who aren’t EU citizens or residents - so British holidaymakers will need to register on arrival. If you have a ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What countries are included in EES? What is the Schengen area?

  You’ll encounter EES in most European holiday hotspots. The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Why is the EU introducing EES?

  The EU wants to improve border security and ditch the old passport stamp for smooth, digital checks. Biometric registration helps stop fraud and lets ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Is this because of Brexit?

  No - EES is for all non-EU and non-Schengen visitors. The plan was set before Brexit, so it’s not aimed at UK nationals specifically. > Learn ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Does EES apply when travellers visit Ireland?

  No, EES doesn’t cover trips to Ireland. Stick to the usual travel rules when visiting there. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Do travellers have to pay for EES?

  No, there’s no charge for registering with EES. If anyone asks for a fee for this, it’s a scam. A separate system, ETIAS, which will have a ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Where will EES registration take place?

  You’ll register for EES the first time you enter a Schengen country, whether by plane, train or ferry. It happens at the border – follow ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will the process be the same at every port of entry?

  Not exactly. Sometimes staff will help, or you might use a kiosk or tablet directly. During the phase-in, some points might still use manual checks - ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you enter via one Schengen country and exit from another? Or travel within the Schengen area?

  You’ll need to do EES both on your first entry and final exit from the Schengen area. There’s no EES check for journeys between countries ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• How do you complete EES registration on arrival?

  Just follow the arrival signs; everything is arranged at the border depending on your passport or residency status. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will you have to do this every time you travel?

  You’ll set up a digital record on your first visit or if it’s more than three years since you last did one, or if you change your passport. ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will EES prevent me travelling to the EU?

  No, EES won’t stop anyone travelling - just make sure you register each time you cross an external Schengen border and follow the ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will I need a visa to travel to the EU?

  British citizens don’t need a visa for a holiday up to 90 days in 180. If you’re staying longer, or for another reason, check the rules for ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Does this mean you can stay in the EU for longer?

  Your maximum is still 90 days in any rolling 180-day period - the only change is that EES will help make this easier to track and enforce. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you entered Schengen before EES launches, but leave after?

  Travellers who are in the Schengen area prior to EES implementation may be registered for EES on exit, depending on their departure port. They will not ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What happens if you stay beyond your 90 days in 180?

  If you overstay, border officials could question you, refuse your entry or impose fines and potential travel bans. EES will flag any overstay ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Are kiosks and registration areas accessible for everyone?

  Accessibility arrangements differ by country and port. If you need support, contact your carrier or border entry point in advance or ask staff on ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What about babies and small children?

  Kids under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints, but everyone - including babies - will have their photo taken for their digital record. > Learn ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Is there an upper age limit for EES?

  No, all travellers need to have a digital record taken, no matter their age. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you can’t stand in queues or have accessibility needs?

  Speak to staff at the port or contact your carrier - they’ll help with any arrangements you need. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Do you need extra documents to travel?

  For most, your usual passport is fine. But if you’re a resident in a Schengen country, make sure you carry your official residence card as ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Can you do anything in advance?

  There’s nothing to do ahead of time; biometrics are taken at the border when EES is live, not before. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will there be an app?

  The EU plans to have an app for quick uploads, but it won’t be available everywhere when EES first starts. This depends on each country. > ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Should you arrive earlier than usual?

  If you’re using juxtaposed ports like Dover or Eurotunnel, check with your travel company for recommended arrival times. Otherwise, follow your ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you miss your connection because of EES delays?

  Contact your operator or travel agent - they’ll guide you through your options if you miss a connection. > Learn more   Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you're transiting through an EU port? Should you leave longer for transit?

  If your transit stop involves border control, you’ll need to complete EES registration. For details specific to your journey, check with the port ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you refuse biometrics?

  You must register for EES to enter the Schengen area. If you refuse to give your fingerprints or have your photo taken, you may be denied entry and need ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• How is your data stored?

  Your biometric data is safeguarded by EU laws and only accessible by official personnel, with strict privacy protection in place. > More info from ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Do EU citizens go through EES checks?

  EU citizens don’t need to register in EES but will go through standard passport and security checks. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What about dual UK-EU citizens?

  If you have both UK and EU passports and use your EU one to enter and exit, you’re exempt from EES. It’s a good idea to carry both just in ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you’re a dual citizen of another non-EU country?

  If you don’t have EU citizenship, you’ll need to register with EES, even if you have a second third-country passport. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What happens with multiple passports?

  If you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport, travel with it and skip EES. If not, make sure you bring all passports and show them if needed. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you drive in with both EU and non-EU citizens in your car?

  All non-EU passengers in the car will need to complete EES registration at the crossing point. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you’re a British Citizen under the Withdrawal Agreement?

  If you’re an EU resident under the Withdrawal Agreement, and can show your residence card, you’re exempt from EES. Without this document, ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you’re travelling on an Emergency Travel Document?

  You can use your Emergency Travel Document for EES; keep a photocopy of your standard passport to show border guards if asked. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Will EES slow you down at the border?

  Registration should take a couple of minutes but could mean longer queues, especially at busy ports like Dover or St Pancras. Check with your travel ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if the technology isn’t working?

  If kiosks are down, staff will check your passport and details manually. Follow the directions from border staff. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What about cruise ship holidays?

  If your cruise starts and ends in the UK, you probably won’t need to register for EES unless you head into a Schengen country separately. > ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if your cruise departs from the UK and visits the Schengen area?

  Staying on board for day trips means no EES checks. If you travel onward after disembarking, you will need to register at the first non-UK Schengen ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What if you’ve got multiple stops in one country on your cruise?

  Again, if you board and disembark in the UK, you won’t normally need to register for day stops, unless you head further into Europe ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• Does EES apply if you leave your cruise in the Schengen area?

  If you leave the ship in a Schengen country and continue your travels, you’ll have to register for EES when leaving the ship. > Learn more Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What is ETIAS?

  ETIAS is an authorisation system (expected autumn 2026) for visa-exempt visitors, like UK travellers. You’ll need to submit information and pay a ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM

• What’s the difference between EES, ETA and ETIAS?

  EES logs your movements and grabs biometric data at Schengen borders; ETIAS is a pre-authorisation (with a fee) for many non-EU visitors; ETA is the ... Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 at 03:28 PM