Travelling from the UK to Europe? Here’s What to Know About the New EU Border Controls

If you’re planning a trip from the UK to Europe later this year, you may notice some new procedures at the border.
The European Union is preparing to roll out its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES)—a digital border control scheme designed to tighten security and eventually speed up travel. While the goal is smoother journeys, experts expect some teething problems, including possible delays during the early months.

What Is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System is a new electronic database that records when travellers from non-EU countries enter and leave the Schengen Area—a zone of 29 European nations that share open internal borders.
This includes many UK holiday favourites such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

Once active, the EES will replace the traditional process of manual passport checks and stamps. Instead, passports will be scanned and key details logged automatically.

Launch Timeline

After multiple postponements, the European Commission has set 12 October as the official start date.
Implementation will happen gradually:

• Dover: Coach passengers will begin using the system from 12 October, with other tourist traffic following from 1 November.
• Eurostar & Eurotunnel: Only a small group of business travellers will be invited to use the system initially, with more passengers added over the following months.
• Full coverage is expected at all Schengen border crossings by April 2026.

What Travellers Will Need to Do

For UK citizens and other non-EU visitors, the first trip under EES will require a one-time biometric registration.
This includes:

• Scanning your passport
• Providing fingerprints (children under 12 are exempt)
• Taking a facial photo
• Answering a few short questions about your stay (such as accommodation details and proof of funds)

The process may vary slightly by location:

• Airports: Registration takes place on arrival in the destination country.
• Channel Crossings (Dover, Eurotunnel, Eurostar): Passengers will register before leaving the UK using automated kiosks.
  These kiosks are designed to guide travellers step-by-step, with staff available to assist.
  Once completed, the registration remains valid for three years and will simply be verified on future trips.

Potential Challenges

Authorities have voiced concerns about possible long queues, especially at busy hubs like Dover where space is limited.
During the early transition, ports will have the flexibility to temporarily revert to manual passport stamping if wait times become excessive. Eurostar is easing in the system slowly to help avoid congestion.

Coming Next: ETIAS

The EES is only the first stage. By the end of 2026 (exact date still to be confirmed), the EU also plans to introduce ETIAS—a visa-waiver system similar to the U.S. ESTA.
UK travellers and other non-EU nationals who do not need a visa will need to apply online for authorisation before travelling.

• Cost: €20 per application (free for under-18s and over-70s)
• Validity: Three years

Key Takeaway for UK Travellers

If you’re buying property in Europe or simply planning a holiday, factor in a little extra time for border checks from October 2025 onward. The new system aims to make travel more secure and efficient in the long term—but expect a learning curve as kiosks and procedures become familiar.