New European Travel Rules

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES) and How Will It Affect You?

Starting 12th October 2025, the European Union will begin introducing a new border control process known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). This change will be rolled out over a six-month period, so what you experience may vary depending on your travel destination and timing.

What’s Different?

Passport stamps will soon be a thing of the past. Instead, your arrival and departure from the EU will be logged electronically. The system will securely store your travel details in a central EU database whenever you cross a border.

If you're travelling before 12th October 2025, you'll continue to receive passport stamps as usual.

Do I Need to Do Anything in Advance?

No. There’s no need to sign up or apply before your trip. You can travel as normal.

What Should I Expect at the Border?

When you first travel under EES, you may experience slightly longer wait times at border control. This is because your biometric data—including a facial image and four fingerprints—will be collected.

This step only needs to be done once
Children under 12 won’t be required to give fingerprints
On the day, allow extra time for potential delays and consider bringing some water to stay comfortable

You can find more information on the UK Government website or visit the official EU EES portal.

Coming Soon: ETIAS Travel Authorisation

Expected to launch in late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become a new requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) used when travelling to the USA. It’s not a visa, but a required pre-travel authorisation.

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