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The European Union (EU) will be introducing a new border immigration system, the ‘Entry/Exit System’ (EES), that will affect UK and all other non-EU passport holders when travelling to the following EU countries :
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
What is EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a system that registers all UK and other non-EU travellers each time they enter or exit the EU bloc. Although the EU is yet to confirm a specific date, the system is expected to be activated in November 2024.
You don't need to do anything before you travel and there's no cost involved, but the first time you enter the EU you’ll need to register at a self-service kiosk in the port or airport where you’ll also be asked to provide your biometric data (fingerprint and facial image), as well as other basic information. Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll be able to enter.
The system will replace the current manual stamping of passports for British and other non-EU visitors. Once registered, you’ll be able to cross the border as you’re currently used to. You won’t be required to renew a registration again for the remaining validity of your passport. This is on all future trips for the next three years.
Once registered, you’ll then need to clear immigration using an e-gate or supervised desk like you’re currently used to. For any subsequent trips to an EU country, you'll only need to complete this step, as biometric data has already been provided.
When will EES be introduced?
EES is currently scheduled to be introduced in November 2024, although a specific date is yet to be announced by the EU.
Who does this apply to?
Any Non-EU / Schengen national entering the European Union.
The system will capture every traveller’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprint* and facial image) and the date and place of entry or exit.
*Children under 12 years of age are not required to provide fingerprints.
How will this affect my trip?
Although the full details of EES have not yet been laid out by the EU, it’s likely that on your first visit to any of the listed countries after the introduction of EES, you’ll need to register at a kiosk at the EU airport or port before crossing the border, where your biometric data will be taken. Following this, you'll be expected to scan your passport each time you cross a border.
More information about the EES can be found on the following websites:
UK Gov info
EU info
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