From October 2025, the EU will introduce new border checks. Your fingerprints and photo may be taken at the EU border.
EES, or the EU Entry/Exit System, is a new digital system being introduced by the EU to strengthen its external Schengen border. It will mean most non-EU citizens, including British citizens, will need to register their biometric details – providing fingerprints and having their photo taken – when they enter or exit the Schengen area.
Travellers do not need to provide information in advance of travel – this will all be done at the border point. This should only take a few minutes for each person to do and will eventually replace manual stamping of passports.
When is EES being introduced?
EES will be introduced from 12 October 2025.
Implementation will be phased across Schengen border crossing points, (i.e. airports, seaports) over a six-month period, meaning until April 2026 you may encounter different border requirements at different ports where you enter and exit across the Schengen area.
Who does EES apply to?
EES will apply to non-EU citizens and non-EU residents entering the Schengen area for a short stay. This means any traveller not holding the nationality or residence permit of any EU country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
What countries are included in EES?
What is 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, and Switzerland.
What age groups does EES apply to?
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but all travellers including babies, will be photographed and have a digital record created. There is no upper age limit, every traveller will be required to have a digital record taken.
What if travellers can’t queue for long periods of time or have accessibility requirements?
Travellers should contact their carrier and / or speak to staff at the port concerned for accessibility information and support.
What if travellers are a dual UK-EU citizen? Do they have to comply?
UK-EU dual citizens will be exempt from EES if they enter and exit using their EU
passport. It is recommended that you carry both passports with you when travelling.
Do travellers have to pay for ESS?
No. There is no charge for travellers for EES registration. Any requests for payment to comply with EES are incorrect and/or fraudulent. The EU will later be introducing an advance permission to travel system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require a payment. This scheme is a separate system to EES and is not expected to launch until Autumn 2026.
Where will EES registration take place?
Travellers will be required to undertake EES registration the first time they cross an external Schengen border. This will typically take place at the port or airport in their country
of entry, where they will scan their passport, submit their fingerprints and/or have their photo taken, but could also take place upon exit. Passengers may be asked Schengen Border Code questions, which are basic questions about their trip.
Will the process be the same everywhere?
No. Your details may be taken by a border guard, or you may be asked to enter your details directly using a handheld tablet or at a kiosk. Travellers should follow signs and instructions from port staff. During the phased implementation of EES over the initial 6 month period it is possible that travellers may not be asked to provide biometrics.
Do travellers need to bring any additional documentation when they travel?
The majority of British citizens will encounter EES in their destination when arriving at their port of entry. In general passengers are advised follow instructions from their travel operator and/or port as they will be most familiar with EES arrangements. Most British citizens will not need anything other than their usual travel documentation.
However, British citizens resident in a Schengen country will need to carry their residence document issued in the EU’s uniform format.
What will happen if travellers refuse to have their fingerprints scanned or photograph taken?
Registration for EES will be a requirement for all non-EU citizens and non-EU residents wishing to enter the Schengen area. Travellers who refuse to provide their biometric data will likely be denied entry and required to return to their country of departure or origin.Travellers who are unable to provide a fingerprint scan may be exempted and should declare this on arrival.
