05/08/2025
UK travellers face new entry requirements for 29 EU countries from October: What you need to know
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to get under way later this year, with UK travellers set to be impacted.
The Foreign Office has issued fresh advice for UK travellers planning to enter the EU later this year. The long-awaited European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to commence on October 12, requiring UK travellers to provide additional details.
The EES will be an automated IT system that registers UK travellers, including short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border.
The system will record the traveller's name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, fully respecting fundamental rights and data protection.
The Foreign Office stated: "From 12 October 2025, the European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area."
The countries in the Schengen area are:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Officials further added: "If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.
If you are travelling to the Schengen area
The Foreign Office said when EES is introduced, travellers will need to create a digital record on their first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. They will be required to submit their fingerprints and a photo taken at dedicated booths.
People will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. If they are flying to a country in the Schengen area, they are being warned of longer queue times when they arrive at their destination.
For those entering the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before they leave the UK. They may also need to provide either a fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
Officials added: "If you frequently travel to the Schengen area for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. You must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual Member State you plan to travel to, or through.
Your digital EES record is valid for three years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit."
Why the EU is introducing EES
EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.
EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security. In the last quarter of 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS before its launch.
When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a €20 fee, as part of the authorisation process.
