The European Union (EU) is preparing to launch its new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), in October 2025. A phased implementation is being considered to ensure a smooth rollout. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to follow six months later, potentially launching in early 2026.
UK passport holders will have to submit their ETIAS applications online using either the official ETIAS website europa.eu/etias or the official mobile app.
New EU Travel Rules for UK Passport Holders
The EU is introducing two key travel systems that will impact UK and other non-EU passport holders entering most EU countries:
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) – an automated border control system replacing manual passport stamping.
- The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – a travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt visitors, including UK nationals.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EES is targeted for an October 2025 launch, with a progressive start over six months to ensure a smooth transition.
Once operational, the EES will require non-EU travellers, including UK citizens, to scan their passports or travel documents at automated kiosks when crossing an EU external border. This will replace passport stamping and register travellers’ details, including:
For most non-EU citizens, biometric data will be recorded upon their first entry into the EU and stored for three years. However, visa-required travellers and children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection. The EES will be operational at 25 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Cyprus) and four non-EU Schengen states (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein).
Impact on UK Border Checkpoints
The EES will be enforced at the Port of Dover, Eurostar terminals, and Eurotunnel checkpoints in the UK, where French authorities conduct border checks. Concerns remain about potential delays, especially for those travelling by car:
- Eurotunnel: Passengers will need to exit their vehicles to complete EES registration at kiosks.
- Port of Dover: Tablets will be provided for passengers inside vehicles, but coach travellers must disembark to register.
Efforts are underway to develop an online pre-registration system to streamline the process, though it is not expected to be ready at launch. UK officials have urged the EU to delay implementation until better preparations are in place.
EES and Schengen Rules on Short Stays
The EES will monitor compliance with Schengen area rules, which limit non-EU visitors to stays of 90 days within a 180-day period. Overstayers will be flagged, and entry refusals will be recorded.
The UK and Ireland operate a separate Common Travel Area, meaning EES will not apply for UK-Ireland travel, and Irish passport holders will be unaffected when travelling within the EU.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Following EES, the ETIAS system is expected to launch six months later, possibly in early 2026. Similar to the US ESTA.
Once the new system is in place, nationals of 59 countries and territories who do not need a visa to travel to any of the 30 European countries, will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before starting their trip. Similar entry requirements for visa-free nationals are currently in place in the United States, Canada and Australia.
ETIAS will be mandatory for UK passport holders and other visa-exempt travellers visiting the EU/Schengen area (excluding Ireland).
- Application: Online or via mobile app
- Fee: €7 for ages 18-70 (free for under 18s and over 70s)
- Processing Time: Usually within minutes but may take up to 30 days for some applicants
- Validity: Three years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first
UK nationals residing in the EU under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement will be exempt from ETIAS, provided they have proof of residency. Other non-EU residents in ETIAS-operating countries will also be exempt.
EU Countries’ Preparations
Many EU countries are upgrading border control infrastructure ahead of the October 2025 launch:
- France has installed biometric kiosks at major airports.
- Spain and Italy are expanding their automated passport control systems.
- Germany and the Netherlands are calling for more border officer training and public awareness campaigns to inform travellers.
- Smaller EU countries may need additional EU funding to fully implement the EES.
Similar Systems in Other Countries
- United States: ESTA – $21, valid for two years.
- United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – introduced in 2023 for Gulf countries, expanding to more nations in 2024-2025.
What UK Travellers Should Do Next
- Stay updated on EES and ETIAS launch dates.
- Check passport validity before travel.
- Plan for potential delays at UK-EU border crossings.
- Prepare for ETIAS applications from early 2026.
For further details, visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
