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Entry/Exit System (EES)

Travel to Europe

Travel Advice about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU has introduced a new digital border system, called the Entry/Exit system (EES). As of 12th October 2025, the requirements for British nationals travelling to the EU/Schengen Area have changed, and as such, you may need to take extra steps to make sure you're fully prepared for your holiday.

We’ve put together some of the frequently asked questions we are being asked in relation to EES and the possible effect this may have on your holiday planning.

We recommend that everyone with, or intending to make, a booking with Mark Warner check the UK Government’s advice for those travelling to the EU. For more information, please visit the EES Guidance on the UK Government website.

For flight and travel information about your forthcoming holiday, you can also visit our travel information section

What is the EES?

The EU introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12th October 2025. It's an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals, including both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, each time they cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area. 

The system will register the person's name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection.


The new EES system will replace the need for passport stamping. It aims to modernise and make border checks more efficient across the Schengen Area in the EU, as well as reduce identity fraud and improve security within the EU.

Who does the EES apply to?

As the UK left the EU, all UK citizens are now considered non-EU nationals. This means that if you are travelling to the EU/Schengen area for a short stay, the EES will apply to you if either you:
  • Are a non-EU citizen - i.e. a British citizen
  • Short-stay visitors - i.e. travellers for tourism, business, or family visits, staying under 90 days within 180 days. 

Do children need to go through EES checks?

Children under 12 will not be required to provide fingerprints but they will need to have a facial scan taken. 


How does the EES work?

When the EES system is introduced, you will need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will be required to provide your personal data, submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.

You will not need to provide any information before travelling to an EU/ Schengen area country.
If you are flying to a country in the EU/Schengen area, you may experience longer queue times when you arrive at your destination.

How long does the digital record last?
Your digital record is valid for 3 years. If you enter the EU/Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border when you enter and exit.

Your fingerprints or the photo of your face will already be recorded in the EES. The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.

Which data are collected by the EES?

You will be required to provide your personal data each time you reach the external borders of the European countries / Schengen Area using the EES.

The EES collects, records and stores:
  • data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)
  • date and place of each entry and exit
  • facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)
  • whether you were refused entry.

Which countries are in the Schengen Area?

The 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.