Starting 12 October 2025, the way UK passport holders travel to the EU is about to change significantly. With the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Union is digitizing its external borders – replacing passport stamps with biometric records. If you’re planning to visit countries in the Schengen zone like France, Spain, Italy, or Germany, it’s crucial to understand how this system works, what information is collected, and how it affects your travel rights. This article breaks down what UK travelers must update before their next EU trip.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
Following the GOV.UK, from 12 October 2025, the EU is rolling out a new digital border system known as EES (Entry/Exit System). This system replaces the traditional passport stamping when entering and exiting the Schengen Area for non-EU nationals – which now includes UK passport holders post-Brexit.
Under this update, your data like name, passport number, facial image, and fingerprints will be stored in a secure database each time you cross an external EU border.
Rollout timeline & transition period
Implementation won’t happen all at once. The EES will be phased in gradually over six months, with the goal to be fully operational by 10 April 2026.
During this transition period, passport stamping may still occur in some border points.
How does EES affect UK travelers?
- On your first journey into the Schengen zone under EES, you’ll provide biometric data (fingerprints, facial scan).
- For later trips, biometric checks are expected to be faster, relying on stored data rather than capturing new prints each time.
- You’ll still need to respect the 90 days in 180 days rule – EES helps authorities track your total days in Schengen more accurately.
- Be prepared for slightly longer waits at border control due to the new checks.
Tips to prepare for the EES
| What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive earlier at border points | To accommodate extra time for biometric checks |
| Keep travel documents handy | Border agents may ask for accommodation address or return tickets |
| Use airports/ports with EES systems ready | Some locations may not be fully equipped early on |
| Stay updated by country | Some Schengen states rollout at different paces (e.g., Netherlands) |
The new EES marks a major shift in how travel across Europe is managed – especially for UK citizens post-Brexit. By collecting biometric data and tracking time spent in the Schengen Area, the EU aims to enhance security and enforce visa-free stay limits more effectively. For UK travelers, that means planning ahead, being ready for slightly longer border checks, and staying informed about how your data is used.
Stay compliant, stay confident – and enjoy seamless travel across Europe.