If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2025 and beyond, there’s a big change coming that all UK travellers need to know about. From 12 October 2025, the European Union is rolling out the Entry-Exit System (EES) — a new digital border system that will replace manual passport stamping at Schengen zone borders.

Here’s a clear guide to what’s changing, what you need to do, and how it might affect your holiday.

What is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated system designed to improve border security and keep track of non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area.

Instead of border officials stamping passports, travellers from countries like the UK will have their entry and exit logged digitally. On your first trip after it goes live, you’ll need to provide:

• Facial biometric data (a digital photo)

• Fingerprints (for travellers aged 12 and over)

These details will then be stored securely for future crossings, so you won’t need to repeat the full process every time.

When does it start?

The EES goes live on 12 October 2025.
It will be introduced gradually but is expected to be fully operational by April 2026.

This means travellers heading away for October half-term, Christmas 2025 or Easter 2026 may be among the first to experience the changes.

What does it mean for UK holidaymakers?

• Longer queues at first: As border staff and travellers get used to the new system, expect some delays, especially at busy airports, ports, and train stations.

• No more passport stamps: Your movements will be tracked digitally instead.

• 90/180 rule tracked automatically: UK visitors are still limited to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area — but the new system will make it much harder to overstay without being noticed.

• Children under 12: They won’t need to provide fingerprints, but a photo will still be taken.

ETIAS is also coming

The EES is the first step, but from late 2026, the EU will introduce ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). This is similar to the US ESTA, and UK travellers will need to apply online for authorisation before visiting.

It will involve:

• A small fee (around €7 is expected)

• Online application in advance

• Authorisation valid for multiple trips over several years

How to prepare for travel after October 2025

• Allow extra time at airports, especially for your first trip after EES goes live.

• Check your passport validity (it still needs to be less than 10 years old on the day of travel and valid for at least three months after your planned return).

• Keep proof of accommodation and return travel handy — border officials may still ask.

• Know your 90-day limit if you make multiple trips to Europe each year.

The bottom line

For most holidaymakers, the new Entry-Exit System will simply mean a slightly longer process on their first trip after October 2025. Once your biometrics are recorded, it should become smoother and eventually quicker than the current system.

The key is to be prepared, allow extra time, and keep an eye on future updates about ETIAS, which will add another layer of pre-travel admin from 2026.