in-cyprus 8 September 2025
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operating on 12 October with a gradual six-month introduction across Schengen Area borders, the European Commission confirmed in July.
The digital border system is designed to track when non-EU citizens enter and leave the 29-country Schengen Area, which includes popular UK destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.
EES will eventually replace the current system requiring individual passports to be checked and stamped by border officers, though concerns persist about potential queues during initial registration.
UK travellers face new registration requirements
UK citizens and other non-EU nationals must register biometric information during their first use of the system, including fingerprints and photographs alongside passport scanning.
At Dover, coach passengers will begin using EES on 12 October, followed by other tourist traffic on 1 November. The port will initially use kiosks rather than the previously planned tablet devices for ferry passengers.
Eurostar terminals will introduce the system more gradually, starting with a small number of business travellers on 12 October before expanding to more passengers over subsequent months. The operator has installed 49 automated kiosks across three areas at London St Pancras station.
Automated processing replaces manual checks
Flight passengers will register upon arrival at destination airports, whilst those crossing the English Channel by ferry, Eurotunnel shuttle, or Eurostar train will complete registration before leaving the UK.
The automated machines will scan passports, capture fingerprints and photographs, and present four questions about travel plans, including accommodation details and financial sufficiency. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint requirements.
Registration remains valid for three years, with details verified on each subsequent trip during that period.
Contingency plans address queue concerns
Dover port can temporarily suspend EES and revert to manual passport stamping if queues become excessive during the transition period. Eurostar’s limited initial rollout aims to prevent significant delays.
A mobile phone application has been developed to enable partial processing before reaching borders, though this will not be widely available at launch.
Future visa waiver system planned
The EU will also introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) by late 2026, requiring online authorisation before travel for non-EU citizens who do not need visas.
ETIAS applications will cost €20 and remain valid for three years, with exemptions for travellers under 18 and over 70, who must apply but pay no fee.
EES should be active at every Schengen border crossing point in all 29 participating countries by 10 April 2026.
