EU Entry/Exit System: A New Border Reality

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially entered into force on Sunday 12 October, following years of delays linked to technical challenges. First proposed in 2016 and originally planned for 2022, the system now applies to non‑EU nationals entering EU territory.

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Under EES, travellers without an EU passport must provide fingerprints and undergo a facial biometric scan. This data is stored and reused at subsequent border crossings.

Why EES Has Been Introduced

The EU’s objective is to strengthen identity checks and monitor the movement of non‑EU passport holders. Following Brexit, UK nationals fall fully within the scope of the system, alongside travellers from all other non‑EU countries.

How the System Works and Costs

There is no fee to register for EES. Registration takes place on arrival at EU borders, where fingerprints and facial data are captured by border authorities. Data is retained for three years, after which travellers must re‑register. A new passport also requires a new registration.

Where Registration Takes Place

Registration occurs on EU territory. For travellers departing the UK by Eurostar, this means registration at London St Pancras. The same applies to LeShuttle at Folkestone and ferry passengers leaving Dover.

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Rollout and Expected Delays

Although EES is scheduled to be fully operational from 10 April 2026, it is being introduced progressively over six months. Initially, at least 10% of border points are expected to operate EES, without mandatory biometric checks. From December, biometrics become compulsory where equipment is available, with a target of 50% coverage by January 2026.

Countries Covered by EES

EES applies to entry into 25 EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. It also covers Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein as part of the Schengen area.

Travellers Affected

All UK passport holders must register, except children under 12 who are exempt from fingerprinting. Irish passport holders are excluded from EES requirements.

Passport Requirements

Both biometric and non‑biometric passports are accepted under EES.

Impact on Business Travellers

Once registered, travellers can expect faster border processing and an end to manual passport stamping. However, EES enables stricter enforcement of the 90‑days‑in‑180‑days rule for stays within the EU.

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Transit and Internal Travel

EES does not apply to airside transit passengers. Internal travel within the Schengen area does not involve additional checks once EES registration is completed at entry.

Advance Registration Options

For UK travellers, no advance registration app or FastTrack lanes are currently available. A Frontex app launched in June allows limited pre‑registration in certain countries, though fingerprints must still be provided at borders.

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Exemptions and Special Status Holders

EES does not apply to EU nationals, citizens of Cyprus and Ireland, or holders of residence permits and long‑stay visas. Specific exemptions also apply to certain family members and travellers on defined educational or corporate assignments.

EES and ETIAS

EES operates separately from ETIAS, the EU’s forthcoming travel authorisation system. ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 and will be required in addition to EES.

ETIAS Fees and Processing

ETIAS will cost €20, with exemptions for those under 18 or over 70. Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, though some may take up to 30 days.