TL;DR
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is in progressive rollout through 2026, replacing passport stamps with biometric checks. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation (€20) follows. UK travellers face longer queues, new biometric processes and additional pre-travel admin.
Last reviewed 3 June 2026
Key facts
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in October 2025 with progressive rollout to all participating borders.
- EES captures fingerprints and a facial image on first entry, replacing physical passport stamps.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation follows EES rollout, costing €20 and valid for three years.
- UK passport fees increased 7 per cent in 2025. Adult standard passport: £88.50 online, £97.50 paper.
- Multiple EU member states have temporary internal Schengen border controls in place through 2026.
What EES actually does
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an EU-wide biometric border system that records entries and exits for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area. The system records the passport details, fingerprints and a facial image. Stamps are no longer applied.
EES launched on 12 October 2025 and is being progressively rolled out across all Schengen external borders. The European Commission initially scheduled full implementation by April 2026 but uneven implementation across member states has extended the rollout into the summer travel season.
For UK travellers entering the Schengen area, the practical change is at the border itself: on first entry under EES, the traveller's biometric data is captured at a kiosk or by a Border Force officer. Subsequent entries within the data validity period are faster because the biometric match is automated.
ETIAS and what it costs
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a separate pre-travel authorisation requirement for non-EU visa-exempt nationals visiting the Schengen area. The EU has confirmed ETIAS will follow EES, with an indicative cost of €20.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-screening that must be obtained before travel, similar to the US ESTA. It is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. Multiple entries are permitted within the validity period for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period.
The current 90-day Schengen rule still applies. UK travellers cannot stay more than 90 days within any 180-day rolling period without a national long-stay visa.
What UK travellers should do this summer
Five practical steps for UK travellers heading to the EU in 2026:
Check passport validity: The Schengen area requires UK passports to have been issued within the last 10 years on the day of entry and to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area. HM Passport Office can take up to 10 weeks for a new passport.
Arrive earlier than pre-EES: Major airports including Charles de Gaulle, Barcelona, Madrid, Schiphol and Frankfurt have experienced longer queues during EES rollout. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for short-haul arrivals on outbound legs.
Travel insurance: Confirm policy covers disruption from border delays. Cover for 'missed departure' typically requires evidence of arrival at the airport on time, which a bag drop receipt or arrival café receipt provides.
EHIC and GHIC: The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides reciprocal healthcare in EU member states. It does not replace travel insurance.
Driving in Europe: A UK driving licence is sufficient for short visits but UK insurance Green Cards are required and toll systems vary by country.
Advisory: EES and ETIAS implementation timelines have shifted multiple times. Check the European Commission's Travel-Europe portal and the airline's pre-travel information before each trip. EU member states with internal Schengen controls may add an extra check beyond the standard external border process.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO ZC135439) as a data controller but is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures and rules are correct at time of publication and may change. Always check the primary source linked below before acting on any information, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do UK travellers need ETIAS to enter the EU?
Yes, once ETIAS is fully implemented. ETIAS is separate from EES and is a pre-travel authorisation requirement for non-EU visa-exempt nationals. It costs around €20 and is valid for three years or until the passport expires.
When does EES apply to my trip?
EES launched on 12 October 2025 and is in progressive rollout through 2026. On first entry to the Schengen area under EES, the traveller's biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) is captured. The data is stored for three years.
Will I face longer airport queues because of EES?
Initial EES rollout has produced longer queues at major airports including Charles de Gaulle, Barcelona and Frankfurt. Once a traveller's biometric data is captured, subsequent entries are typically faster.
Do I still need a passport stamp?
No. EES replaces physical passport stamps with electronic records. The traveller's entries and exits are recorded automatically in the EES database.
