If you travel from the UK to Europe, border procedures have changed. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with digital entry and exit records for most short-stay non-EU travellers. A separate online travel authorisation system, ETIAS, will follow, but it is not yet in operation and applications are not currently being accepted.
This page explains what EES means in practical terms, where it applies, and what UK travellers should expect when crossing European borders.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management system introduced by the European Union for non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
EES replaces manual passport stamping with an electronic record. It logs:
• the date and place of entry and exit
• biometric data, including a facial image and fingerprints (normally collected on first use)
Once enrolled, future crossings should be quicker where systems are fully operational.
Yes. The Entry/Exit System became fully operational at Schengen external border crossing points on 10 April 2026, following a phased introduction that began in October 2025.
However, implementation has not been entirely uniform. Technical and operational difficulties mean that the experience can still vary between countries and individual border crossings. In some circumstances, border authorities may adjust biometric processing to manage queues and maintain the flow of travellers.
UK travellers should therefore be prepared for EES registration when crossing an external Schengen border, even if they have previously travelled through another border without being asked to complete the full biometric process.
Allow extra time, particularly during busy travel periods and when you have an onward connection.
EES applies when entering the Schengen area.
EU Schengen countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Non-EU Schengen countries:
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
Ireland
Cyprus
These countries are not part of the Schengen area, so EES checks are not used for entry.
Bulgaria and Romania are now full members of the Schengen area, including land borders.
Cyprus is an EU member but is not currently part of the Schengen Area. EES therefore does not currently apply when entering Cyprus.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is separate from EES. It will be an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, including most UK passport holders, travelling to participating European countries for a short stay.
ETIAS is not yet in operation and applications are not currently being accepted. The European Union has said that its exact launch date will be announced several months before the system starts.
Once introduced, travellers who need ETIAS will apply online before travelling. The application fee will be €20, although some travellers, including those under 18 and over 70, will be exempt from the fee.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation, while EES records eligible travellers when they cross the external Schengen border.
Entry rules and border procedures can change and are enforced by local border authorities. Travellers are responsible for ensuring their documentation is valid and that they meet all entry requirements at the time of travel.
For the most up-to-date official information, refer to:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
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