UK launches EES traveller awareness campaign

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 citizens travelling to the Schengen area.

Up to date information can be found on GOV.UK and FCDO’s Travel Aware pages.

The EU introduces EES for UK and non-EU nationals starting gradually next month.

The automated system will require travellers to register on the first visit at the border point by scanning passports and biometric registration.

EES is not necessary when travelling to Ireland.

For all subsequent visits to the EU, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either their fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

The EES is being phased in over the next six months through April 2026.

At the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and aboard Eurostar, the EES process takes place at the outbound border point on leaving the UK.

“While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact,” a spokesperson said.