Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about the new EU Entry/Exit system (EES) – a lot of people haven’t yet!
Here’s everything you need to know about the EES and what it means if you’re visiting some European countries.
What is the EES?
The EES refers to the new EU Entry/Exit System, which started on 12th October 2025.
It’s a new system that’s changed the requirements for people from the UK who are travelling to some European countries.
It means when you travel to one of these countries, you’ll have to register your biometric details (a facial scan and fingerprints) when you get to border control.
This is instead of getting your passport stamped.
Why have they introduced the new EES?
The new system is designed to:
- improve border control
- check for stolen or forged travel documents
- stay on top of things like organised crime and terrorism
What to expect during border checks
When you arrive at border control, there will be new self-service kiosks.
The first time you visit one of these countries, you’ll need to register your passport details, four fingerprints and a facial scan at one of these kiosks.
Then on future trips, you’ll only have one bit of biometric data checked (e.g. one fingerprint or a facial scan, but not both).
Your biometric data is on file for three years, or until your passport expires. After that, you’ll need to re-register.
Travelling with children
If you’re travelling with a child under 12, they won’t need to give their fingerprints. But everything else will work exactly the same.
Children over 12 are treated the same as adults.
Which European countries does it affect?
These new requirements apply to countries in the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Do I need a biometric passport to enter the European countries using the EES?
No, it's currently not a requirement for you to have a biometric passport.
As long as you give the right biometric data when you get to the airport and your passport is valid, you’ll be fine to enter these countries with a non-biometric passport.
What will this mean for my trip to Europe?
The new system might mean there’s some delays when you get to the airport or port you’re arriving at. It’s also likely to be busier and slower during holiday periods.
They’re going to be doing a ‘soft launch’ for six months. That means it won’t be at all airports and ports just yet.
Plus, if it gets super busy, border control will go back to manually stamping passports.
They’re also planning to create an app where you can register some of your details beforehand, which should save time.
What are the benefits of the EES?
In the long run, the new EES system should make things smoother and faster when it comes to border control.
They’ve spent a huge amount of money on the new self-service kiosks, which have been designed to streamline the process of entering these countries.
Travel insurance for travelling to Europe
If you’re travelling to Europe, it’s important you have travel insurance in place to protect you if something goes wrong.
We wouldn’t reimburse you for delays caused by the new EU Entry/Exit System, but we would help out if your trip was delayed due to severe weather or strikes, for instance.
It could also help protect you if you get ill or injured or your baggage is lost or stolen.
Always check your policy book to find out what you’re covered for, as well as any key exclusions.
