New EU Entry/Exit System for UK Travellers
- The Holiday Space
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
New EU Entry / Exit System for Schengen Area Travel from 12th October 2025
We want to make you aware of an important change affecting travel to many European countries from 12th October 2025. The European Union is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for travellers visiting the Schengen Area. This will directly impact UK travellers, so please read the following information carefully to ensure a smooth journey.
What is the Schengen Area? The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free and unrestricted movement between member countries.
Countries included in the Schengen Area:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Please note: Ireland and Cyprus are NOT part of the Schengen Area and are not affected by this change.
What is the new Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a new EU border system that will digitally record your travel in and out of the Schengen Area.
It will replace traditional passport stamps and automatically track the 90-days-in-180-days rule for non-EU visitors.
On your first entry after 12th October 2025, you will need to register your fingerprints and have a photo taken at a border kiosk.
What do you need to do?
On your first arrival in the Schengen Area after 12th October 2025:
Be prepared to provide your fingerprints and have your photo taken at a border kiosk.
On later trips (within 3 years):
You may only need to provide a fingerprint or photo.
No cost, no online form, and no advance action is required.
Allow extra time at ports and airports during the first months of operation, as queues are likely while the new system is introduced.
Important Reminders:
The EES will make it easier for authorities to enforce the rule that you cannot stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying could lead to penalties.
Ireland and Cyprus are not in the Schengen Area and are not affected by this change.
Why is the EU introducing the EES?
The EES is being implemented to enhance border security across the EU and neighbouring countries, and to help reduce illegal migration within the Schengen Area. By automating border control checks, the system will make it easier for authorities to monitor and prevent visitors from overstaying their permitted time.
The EES is part of a broader EU initiative to strengthen border management. Looking ahead, the EU plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2026. At this stage, no action is required from travellers regarding ETIAS. The EU will announce the official start date for ETIAS before it goes live.
Once ETIAS is introduced, UK passport holders will need to apply for travel authorisation before entering Schengen countries. This process will involve providing personal and trip details and paying a 20 Euro fee. More information about ETIAS, including requirements for each nationality, is available on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
UK Passport Holders – Visa-Free Travel Rules
UK passport holders can currently (until further notice – in 2026) visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies whether you are:
Travelling as a tourist
Visiting family or friends
Attending business meetings, cultural, or sports events
Participating in short-term studies or training
If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, ensure your total stay across all countries does not exceed the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. Time spent in Schengen countries during the previous 180 days is counted towards your 90-day allowance. Overstaying this limit may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.
Please note: Different rules apply if you intend to work in the Schengen Area. If you need to extend your stay beyond 90 days for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities of the country you are visiting.
If you have any questions or need further advice about your travel plans, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you prepare for your next trip and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Happy travels,
Sarah Bennett @ The Holiday Space
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