Don’t worry if you haven’t heard about the new EU Entry/Exit system – a lot of people haven’t yet.
We explain everything to do with this change in process for visiting European countries, and how it could affect you and your travel plans.
What is the EES?
The EES refers to the new EU Entry/Exit System. It’s a new border system that will change the requirements for people from the UK when travelling to certain European countries.
It means when you travel to one of these countries, you’ll have to register your biometric details (a facial scan and fingerprints) when you get to border control.
This will be instead of the current system of stamping passports.
When will the EES go live?
It’s due to go live mid 2025. However, it has already been pushed back a few times.
Why have they introduced the new EES?
The new system is designed to improve border control, reduce illegal migration and to also stay on top of things like organised crime and terrorism.
What to expect during border checks
When you get to border control in one of the European countries affected, there will be new self-service kiosks installed.
The first time you visit one of these countries, you’ll need to register your passport details, four fingerprints and a facial scan.
You’ll then only have one bit of biometric data checked (e.g. one fingerprint or a facial scan, but not both) on future trips.
Your biometric data will be kept for three years. You’ll need to re-register after then.
Which European countries are affected?
These new requirements will apply to countries in the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Do I need a biometric passport to enter the European countries using the EES?
No, it's currently not a requirement for you to have a biometric passport.
As long as you submit the relevant biometric data when you get to the airport and your passport is valid, you’ll be fine to enter these countries with a non-biometric passport.
What will this mean for my trip to Europe?
The new system might mean there’s delays when you get to your airport or port of choice. It’s also likely to be a lot busier and slower during holiday periods.
It’s likely they’ll do a ‘soft launch’ for six months – this just means if it gets extremely busy, border control can go back to manual passport stamping.
The intention is also for there to be an app where you can register some of your details beforehand to save some time when you get to your destination.
What are the benefits of the EES?
In the long run, the new EES system should make things smoother and more efficient when it comes to border control.
There’s a huge amount of money being spent on the self-service kiosks, which have been designed to streamline the process of entering these countries.
Travel insurance for travelling to Europe
If you’re travelling to Europe, it’s important you have travel insurance in place to protect you if something goes wrong.
We wouldn’t reimburse you for delays caused by the new EU Entry/Exit System, but we would help out if your trip was delayed due to severe weather or strikes, for instance.
It could also help protect you if you get ill or injured or your baggage is lost or stolen.
Always check your policy book to find out what you’re covered for, as well as any key exclusions.
