The EES is an automated IT system replacing manual passport stamping for non-EU/Schengen nationals entering or exiting the Schengen area. It registers personal and travel data to monitor border crossings and enforce the Schengen short-stay rules.
25 EU countries (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Launch date: 12 October 2025, with phased implementation over 180 days.
Data captured: Name, travel document type, biometric data (fingerprints, facial image), date and place of entry/exit.
Biometric collection: First entry requires fingerprints and facial image capture; subsequent visits will be verified against stored data.
Data retention: Normally erased three years after last trip for data protection.
Exemptions:
Children under 12 (no fingerprints required).
Long-stay visa holders.
Legal residents in EU countries.
Nationals of countries requiring a visa (fingerprints already collected during visa application).
Phased roll-out: Countries may introduce EES gradually over 180 days from launch.
Full operation expected: 10 April 2026.
Support tools: Optional smartphone app for pre-registration (fingerprints still required at border).
Affected locations: Port of Dover, Eurostar (St Pancras), Eurotunnel (Folkestone).
French border checks in UK: Permitted under reciprocal UK–France agreements.
Operational changes:
Passengers, including vehicle occupants, will need to leave their cars to use registration kiosks.
New EES processing site at Dover’s Western Docks.
St Pancras and Folkestone terminals fitted with registration kiosks.
Industry concerns: Potential delays, especially for vehicle passengers.
UK Government response: Financial support for infrastructure upgrades (announced August 2024).
EES will enforce the 90 days in any 180-day short-stay limit.
Tracks overstayers and refusals of entry.
Ireland remains outside Schengen and will not operate EES.
ETIAS is an Electronic travel authorisation for non-EU/Schengen nationals from visa-waiver countries (including the UK). It is designed to enhance border security and pre-screen travellers.
It is required for entry to all EU Member States (except Ireland), plus the four non-EU Schengen countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).
Launch date: Expected late 2026 (after EES becomes operational).
Application process: Online or via a mobile app, with checks against EU security and border databases.
Authorisation Validity: 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
Cost:
€20 for travellers aged 18–70 ( increased from €7 to €20 in July 2025. )
Free for under-18s and over-70s.
Exemptions:
UK nationals and family members with Withdrawal Agreement rights (residing in the EU before 31 Dec 2020)– exempt with proof of status.
Holders of residence permits in any ETIAS-participating country.
US ESTA: $21, valid for 2 years.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): £16, valid for 2 years (required for EU visitors from 2 April 2025).
Plan ahead: First-time travel after October 2025 may take longer due to biometric registration at borders.
Expect disruption: Border delays are likely during the roll-out, particularly at high-traffic UK–EU routes.
Budget for new fees: ETIAS will add a €20 cost per traveller aged 18–70.
Stay compliant: The EES will automatically track your days in the Schengen area. The EES data will be used to enforce Schengen stay limits and detect overstayers.