Starting today, Brits heading to Europe face fresh border controls under the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES). Get ready to register before you step foot in key European countries.

What Is the Entry-Exit System?

The EES is a digital border system replacing old-school passport stamps for non-EU visitors. It scans passports, fingerprints, and snaps photos to track entries and exits.

• Registration happens on your first visit to countries operating the EES.
• Your data stays valid for three years or until your passport expires.
• The new checks will roll out gradually across EU ports until April 2026.

Which Countries and Ports Are Impacted?

EES covers Schengen countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland but excludes Ireland and Cyprus.

For travellers through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras, the registration happens before leaving the UK.

The UK government has pumped £10.5 million into these ports to beef up border infrastructure and keep queues down.

Longer Queues Expected—But Don’t Panic

The new process takes 1-2 minutes per person but could mean longer waits at busy crossings, especially at juxtaposed ports where checks happen pre-departure.

Eurotunnel, Eurostar, and Dover have contingency plans to minimise delays during peak travel times.

Official Voices Speak Out

“We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible,” said Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum.

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

“We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System,” added Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, especially at our busiest border crossings.”

What Travellers Need to Know

• No action needed before you travel; registration happens at the border and is free.
• Children under 12 won’t give fingerprints, but all travellers will be photographed.
• British people with Withdrawal Agreement documents or dual UK-EU passports are exempt.
• The UK continues its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors to Britain.

Stay ahead of the changes by checking the latest advice on GOV.UK and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Travel Aware pages.