Due to delays, the start date of the entry/ exit system has been postponed.  

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The European Union is set to introduce its new “Entry/Exit System”, which will apply to all travellers entering the EU from the UK.

The new EU travel rules impact UK citizens by requiring biometric checks, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans when entering certain countries. These changes, which were due to begin in November 2024, are part of the EU’s efforts to modernise and improve border control. 

Due to delays, the start date of the entry/ exit system has since been postponed with no confirmed date for launch.

What is the EU’s new entry/exit system?

When it is launched, the EES will be an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, including UK citizens, each time they cross external borders to countries using the system.

It serves as a digital database of the arrival and departure dates of people visiting the EU, keeping records of your biometric data and information from your travel document.

What is the aim of the EU’s new entry/ exit system? 

The primary goals of the EES are:

• To make Europe safer and crossing its borders easier.
• To electronically register the time and place of entry and the exit of non-EU nationals, calculating the duration of their authorised stay. 
• Bring an end to passport stamping, modernising passport control and reducing waiting times. 

The EU has labelled it “the most modern digital border management system in the world”.

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What do I need to provide?

EES will register the date and place of entry or exit, plus fingerprints and a facial biometric.

So, if you are visiting an EU country from the UK for a short stay, you will now need to:

• register fingerprints
• and a photo with your passport details

A short stay means up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Which countries are using the EES system?

The following countries are using the new entry/exist system:

Note: The new system will not apply in Cyprus and Ireland. Despite being part of the EU, these countries will continue to stamp passports manually.

How long will my registration be valid?

British travellers are restricted to 90 days’ stay in any 180 day period within the Schengen area. 

Every time you enter or exit a participating European country, this will be recorded. Once travellers have given their fingerprints and details, that registration will be valid for three years.

Short-stay visas

As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or Schengen area if you’re staying for 90 days or less and if you’re visiting as a tourist. To calculate travel days remaining when staying in the Schengen area with a short-stay visa, you can use the Short-stay Visa Calculator on the Home Affairs website.  

What’s next? The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

In 2025, the EU is set to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). 

Following ETIAS, UK travellers will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries when using a UK passport. This includes providing personal information and details about your trip and paying a €7 fee. For more information, visit the EU’s official Travel Europe website to learn how the changes could affect you. 

Is England in the European Union? 

No, England is not part of the European Union. The UK officially left the EU on January 31st, 2020, after the Brexit referendum. As a result of this change, UK travellers are classed as non-EU nationals when visiting EU countries, making them subject to the new entry/exit rules.

Stay protected with Travel Insurance 

The new changes aim to make travel more efficient, ultimately, reducing long waiting times at borders. Having Travel Insurance provides financial protection, ensuring you’re covered for any potential delays and disruptions. 

From lost baggage to flight cancellations and missed connections, Travel Insurance ensures you’re not left to cover unexpected costs. Get a free no-obligation quote today and make sure you’re covered for the duration of your stay.