How the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) works: Guide for UK travellers

Travel to the EU is about to change. Later this year, the European Union will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) that replaces passport stamps with digital checks.

If you’re a UK citizen or resident travelling to the EU for a short stay, the new rules will affect how you enter and leave. This guide explains what the EES is, how it’ll work and what you can do to prepare.

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Key takeaways

• The EES replaces passport stamps with a digital system
• It applies to non-EU citizens travelling to Europe for a short stay
• First-time entry will include fingerprints and photos
• The system will automatically track your 90/180-day Schengen Zone allowance
• Allow extra time at borders while EES is gradually introduced between October 2025 and April 2026

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a new system that will record your entry and exit electronically when you visit the EU — whether it’s a family holiday to Europe, backpacking with your mates, or taking a post-Brexit business trip.

When does the EES come into effect?

The EES launches on 12 October 2025 and will be rolled out gradually over 6 months. The system will be fully in place from April 2026. ¹

Who does the EES affect?

The EES applies to all non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in Europe. This includes anyone using the 90/180-day Schengen rule or short-stay Schengen visa.¹

The 90/180-day rule lets Brits and some other non-EU nationals travel visa-free in the Schengen Zone, which covers 29 European countries. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Keeping track of those days can be confusing.

But with the EES you can skip the maths, as the system will clearly show how long you can stay.²

Does the EES apply to UK citizens?

Yes. The EES applies to all non-EU nationals — and since Brexit, this includes UK citizens.³

There are some exceptions. For example, the EES **doesn’t **apply to you if you have:³

• EU or Cypriot citizenship (this includes Irish nationals, and UK nationals who have dual citizenship with an EU country or Cyprus)
• an EU residence permit or long-stay visa

You can find more details on the official EU EES site.³

How will the EU Entry/Exit System work in practice?

Instead of getting a physical stamp in your passport, your entry and exit will be logged electronically. The biggest change will come the first time you use the EES when crossing a border, as you’ll need to provide some extra information.

First entry into the EU under EES: Step by step

Step 1: Approach the kiosk/border guard

You will be directed to an automated EES kiosk or a border official.

Step 2: Scan your passport

Scan the photo page of your passport.

Step 3: Provide biometric data

The system will capture a facial image and a scan of four fingerprints. This is a one-time registration process.

Step 4: Answer any questions

A border guard may ask some brief questions about your trip.

Subsequent trips to the EU

The process should be faster for future trips, as you won’t have to provide your biometric data every time. You’ll only need to scan your passport and verify your face or fingerprints. ⁴

Travelling via Eurostar, Eurotunnel, plane or ferry

• Eurostar from London St Pancras International - you’ll use self-service pre-registration kiosks, located in three areas of the station.
• Eurotunnel at Folkestone - you’ll be directed to self-service pre-registration kiosks.
• Ferry from Dover - depending on your vehicle, you’ll either use the kiosks at the Western Docks area or a mix of agents and tablets.
• Flights and other ferries - you’ll be registered at the border when you arrive.⁵

Cruise ship travel

If your cruise starts and ends outside the Schengen Area, like at a UK port, you usually won’t need to go through EES checks.

If it starts within the Schengen Area, you’ll go through EES checks at your first port of entry. If it ends in a Schengen port, you’ll need to complete EES checks when you disembark.⁵

Check the EU’s official Travel Europe website for more information.

What data is collected by EES and why?

The EES collects information to help manage border security and keep track of stays. It aims to be a more efficient way to spot overstayers, people without the right to enter, and those using fake identities or passports.

Information stored in the EES

The EES collects, records and stores:

• information from your travel documents, like your full name, date of birth and nationality
• date and place of each entry and exit
• biometric data, including an image of your face and your fingerprints
• information any refused entries

Only authorised authorities — like immigration control and law enforcement — will have access to your information. For full details, see the EU EES data page.⁶

Checking your 90-day limit

A useful feature of the EES is that it calculates your remaining days automatically. Instead of counting passport stamps, the system will show how long you can stay under the 90/180-day Schengen rule. It flags overstayers, so make sure you don’t stay longer than you’re allowed.

Is the EES the same as the ETIAS visa waiver?

No, there are important differences between the EES and ETIAS.

EES: The border system

The EES is a system that will be used to record your entries and exits in the Schengen Area. You don’t need to apply for it.

ETIAS: The travel authorisation

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is due to launch in 2025. It’s similar to the US ESTA and will allow certain travellers to visit 30 European countries without a visa. ⁷

Most UK citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS online before visiting the EU. When you travel, you’ll automatically be checked by the EES at the border.

Top tips for UK travellers preparing for the EES

• Check your passport — ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months and isn’t damaged.
• Allow extra travel time — especially for your first trip after EES launches, as registration may cause delays at airports, ports like Dover, and at the Eurotunnel terminal.
• Travel together — families or groups should stay together at the border for an easier process.
• Stay informed — always check official UK travel advice before your trip.

Keep your travel money hassle-free with Wise

With the new EES system, passport stamps will be replaced by electronic records and a quick biometric check. Knowing what to expect and allowing a little extra time will help keep your trips smooth.

The same goes for your travel money. With a Wise card, you can spend in euros and 40+ other currencies at the mid-market rate — all with absolutely no hidden fees.

Sources used in this article:

1. Europa.eu - what is the EES and countries it affects
2. Europa.eu - purpose of EES
3. Europa.eu - who the EES does not apply to
4. Europa.eu - scanning your passport and verification
5. Gov.uk - travelling via Eurostar, Eurotunnel, ferry or cruise ships
6. Europa.eu - EES data collection
7. Europa.eu - ETIAS information

Sources last checked on: 28-Aug-2025