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Across Europe, new border controls are coming in 2026. Two new systems - EES and ETIAS - are being introduced. They're not complicated, but knowing about them in advance will help you plan with confidence and avoid delays.
This guide explains what's changing, and what you may need to do to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Published: 27 April 2026
EES is a new digital border system that replaces the old passport stamp. Instead of having your passport manually stamped when you arrive in or leave Europe, your details - including a facial scan and fingerprints - are recorded electronically.
The system was launched in October 2025 and is now used in 29 European countries. As British citizens are non-EU nationals, we need to use EES when crossing European borders. The system is designed to track entries and exits digitally, to replace passport stamps.
When you first visit a participating country (since the launch of EES) you’ll be asked to register at a dedicated desk or with a border officer. This involves:
Your digital record is then stored for three years. On future trips within that period, you'll only need to verify your fingerprint or face, so it’s a quicker process.
The Travel to Europe mobile app allows you to pre-register your passport data and facial image up to 72 hours before you travel. Using it is optional, but it may help speed things up at border controls.
To download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store simply search "Travel to Europe" and make sure you choose the official app - it’s the one developed by Frontex.
EES isn’t used in all European countries, it covers the 29 countries that make up the Schengen area:
Participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Non-participating countries: Ireland and Cyprus are EU members but don’t use EES.
ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new mandatory travel authorisation scheme for visiting Europe. If you’ve travelled to The United States before, it’s like the EU's version of the US ESTA system.
Before you travel to Europe, you'll need to apply online for permission to visit. It's not a visa, and it won't change your right to travel to Europe, it’s just a pre-travel check.
ETIAS is expected to launch towards the end of 2026. No action is needed from travellers for now. When it does launch, the process will work roughly as follows:
Because of this, only use verified government and EU sources for travel authorisation.
While EES is designed to make borders more efficient in the long run, the new system may cause longer queues - especially at busy airports and ports. First-time registrations take more time than a standard passport check, so it's sensible to build extra time into your travel plans.
This is especially relevant if you're travelling on Eurostar, the Channel Tunnel or ferries from Dover, where EES and ETIAS checks happen at the UK side of the border (before you board) rather than on arrival in France. These places are prone to delays during busy periods as many passengers are using the new system for the first time.
Before any trip to Europe, make sure your passport is valid. Under the rules that have applied to UK travellers since Brexit, your passport must:
These requirements are not new, but they're worth double-checking - particularly if your passport is coming up for renewal or was issued a while ago. A passport that doesn't meet the requirements will mean you can't travel, regardless of EES or ETIAS.
UK travellers can visit the Schengen area of the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. One of the reasons behind EES is to tighten up this rule with digital tracking, as the old stamp system made it difficult to track precisely. If you travel frequently to Europe - even for short trips - it's worth keeping track of your days to make sure you stay within the limit.
Here's what you can do to prepare:
If border delays or processing issues cause you to miss a flight or connection, having the right travel insurance means you’re covered.
It’s worth considering arranging your travel insurance in advance to ensure you have appropriate cover in place and to help you plan ahead and manage potential unexpected costs while travelling.
Both EES and ETIAS have seen delays and changes since they were first announced, so it's important to check for the latest information before you travel, especially as ETIAS approaches its launch later in 2026.
For the most reliable info, check UK Government travel advice and the EU official travel information site.
Tesco Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by AWP P&C S.A. Gadget Cover is underwritten by AmTrust Specialty Limited (AmTrust).
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to the subject matter but does not constitute expert financial advice specific to your own situation. All facts and figures were correct at time of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
