Foreign Office issues new guidance before EES launch

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British holidaymakers travelling to Europe are being advised to plan ahead as the European Union prepares to introduce its new Entry/Exit System (EES) next week. Coming into effect on 12 October 2025, the EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, entering countries within the Schengen area. Under the new system, travellers will be required to register their details at the border by scanning their passport, providing fingerprints, and having a photograph taken. The process is intended to enhance security and replace the traditional passport stamping system, but it is expected to cause longer waiting times, particularly in the early weeks of implementation.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance to remind travellers that registration will take place upon their first visit to a participating country after the system’s launch and will remain valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires. Officials have cautioned that, as the rollout will not be simultaneous across all ports of entry, some airports, ferry terminals, and train stations may experience more disruption than others. Travellers using key routes such as Dover, Folkestone, and London St Pancras International may also need to complete EES registration before leaving the UK. Industry leaders, including ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer, have warned that queues are likely as border staff adjust to the new process, which requires both biometric data collection and a series of additional travel-related questions.

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