Travel to Europe after Brexit: EES (and ETIAS) — What UK Travellers Need to Know

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border check for non-EU/EEA visitors entering the Schengen Area (which includes most EU countries but not Ireland). It replaces manual passport stamping with a one-time biometric enrolment and electronic records of your entries and exits.

What is EES?

EES electronically records each traveller’s entry and exit, and enforces the 90-days in any 180-day limit for short stays. On your first trip after EES starts operating at a given border, you’ll enrol by:

  • Scanning your passport;
  • Providing fingerprints and a facial image (biometrics).

Future trips should be quicker because your biometrics are already on file.

Further reading: Reuters overview | GOV.UK notice for British travellers

When does it apply?

  • Launch: EES rollout begins 12 October 2025.
  • Phased rollout: Kiosks and checks are introduced in stages at airports, ferry ports, and rail/road crossings.
  • Full implementation: currently targeted for April 2026.

Further reading: Reuters

Where does EES apply?

  • Schengen external borders (most EU states plus a few non-EU Schengen members).
  • Not in Ireland (non-Schengen). Cyprus is also outside Schengen at the time of writing.

Who needs to use EES?

  • UK passport holders travelling for short stays (tourism, business, family visits).
  • Not usually required for: holders of EU/EEA residency cards, long-stay visas (e.g. student/worker), and certain family members with residence rights (they are checked under different rules).

What will I be asked to do at the border?

  • Use a kiosk or desk to scan your passport, give fingerprints and a facial image.
  • Answer routine questions (purpose of trip, accommodation, funds, return ticket) — these are general border rules, not new EES rules.

Note: First-time EES enrolment can take longer than a normal passport stamp, so allow extra time at busy ports and stations (Dover, Folkestone/Eurotunnel, London St Pancras/Eurostar) and at destination airports.

Do I need medical insurance for EES?

No — EES does not make travel insurance mandatory for UK tourists. However, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. You can also carry a UK GHIC/EHIC for access to state healthcare in the EU — but it is not a substitute for full insurance (it won’t cover private care or repatriation).

Further reading: Euronews on EES & insurance | GOV.UK | NHSBSA: GHIC & travel insurance

How is EES different from ETIAS?

  • EES = biometric border entry/exit system. You enrol at the border.
  • ETIAS = an upcoming online travel authorisation (like the US ESTA) for visa-exempt travellers. It is not yet in force and is currently planned for the last quarter of 2026.

Further reading: ETIAS official site (EU)

Practical checklist for UK travellers

  • Check your passport validity (at least 3 months beyond your intended exit from Schengen; plus meet airline rules).
  • Allow extra time at first EES enrolment — especially for families and coach/rail travellers.
  • Keep accommodation details and a return/onward ticket handy.
  • Carry a GHIC/EHIC and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Remember the 90/180 rule — EES will track it automatically.

Key sources

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