Entry/Exit System (EES) explained: What UK travellers need to know.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border system that replaces the old passport stamp for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area. Instead of a stamp in your passport, every crossing is now recorded electronically. The system logs where you entered and left the EU, the date and time, and your biometric data - including a facial image and, (in most cases) your fingerprints.

EES is designed to improve EU border security, reduce identity fraud, and help authorities track visitors who overstay the 90-day limit. For UK travellers, who are now treated as non-EU nationals at Schengen borders, it represents a significant change to how we travel.

The European countries in the Schengen Area are: 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.

These European countries ARE NOT in the Schengen Area: Ireland and Cyprus are EU members but are not in the Schengen Area and don’t use EES.

EES began a phased rollout in October 2025, starting with a selection of travellers at certain entry points. The system expanded progressively and became fully operational across all 29 Schengen countries on 10 April 2026.

Yes. EES applies to most UK passport holders visiting the Schengen Area for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This means every entry and exit to the Schengen Area is now digitally logged under EES for UK travellers.

You are exempt from EES if:

On your first trip to a Schengen country since EES launched, you’ll be asked to provide biometric data to register your entry at the border. This means having your fingerprints scanned (typically four fingers) and a facial image taken - either at a dedicated desk or at a manned booth. Your passport will also be scanned and your personal data added to the digital record.

On future trips, the system will recognise your stored data and verification should be quicker. Your EES record is valid for three years, after which you will need to re-register.

A few things to be aware of:

Biometric entry and exit means your travel movements are recorded using your physical characteristics - your facial image and fingerprints. These are stored securely in an EU central database and replace the old system of passport stamps and passport checks by border staff.

Under EES, biometric facial recognition at airports means your face is scanned and matched against your passport photo and its stored biometric data. Border authorities use this to verify your identity.

No, you don’t have to do anything before you travel. EES registration takes place at the border when you arrive. You don’t need to complete any online forms or pay any fees before your trip.

The Travel to Europe app can help speed things up - in some countries, if you want to.

The EU has an official app called Travel to Europe, which you can use to pre-register biometric photos and passport data up to 72 hours before arrival. This could help speed up the border process. This app can be used in some countries in 2026, including Portugal and Sweden, with a wider rollout planned. However, it doesn’t replace the border control interview itself.

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.

Possibly, particularly during busy periods. First-time registrations add time to the border process, and some airports experienced queues of several hours when the system was launched. Delays are expected to ease as both border staff and travellers become more experienced with the system.

Here’s a tip: allow extra time at the airport or port, especially if it’s your first trip using EES. Arriving earlier than usual is wise - official guidance suggests building in an extra 1-2 hours over your normal arrival time for the time being.

These are two separate systems that are often confused as they sound similar - but they work very differently:

For more detail on these two system, see our guide - EES and ETIAS explained - what’s the difference?

EES doesn’t change the 90-day limit - that rule has applied to UK visitors for many years. However, EES has been brought in to enforce that rule more accurately. Previously, border authorities relied on passport stamps to calculate how long you’d spent in the Schengen Area, which could be inconsistent. Now, the EES database provides an exact count of your days.

UK travellers can still visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to look at your Schengen visa options. EES simply makes tracking your days easier by removing the need to count between old stamps.

If border delays or processing issues cause you to miss a flight or connection, having the right travel insurance means you’re covered.

We offer a range of travel insurance to suit different trips. Buying travel insurance in advance could help protect you from unexpected costs before you travel, and while you’re away.

EES has seen some delays and changes since it was first announced, so it's important to check for the latest information before you travel.

For the most reliable info, check UK Government travel advice and the EU official travel information site.

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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.