What are these new travel rules?

From this Sunday, 12 October, the European Union is bringing in a new system for British travellers heading to Europe – or more specifically, the Schengen area. That’s the zone covering 29 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany and Portugal, where you can move freely between borders.

The change is being rolled out in stages over the next six months, starting with something called the EU Entry/Exit System, or EES. It replaces the old way of stamping passports when you arrive or leave. From now on, it’s all digital – an electronic record instead of an ink stamp.

Each time you enter or leave a Schengen country, the system will automatically log your details. It’s designed to improve border security and help prevent travellers from overstaying their 90-day limit. NB: Trips to Ireland are not affected by this change. You’ll start to notice the new checks in four main places – and each one is introducing it a little differently

Where EES will come in:

  • Airports: Registration starts from 12 October when you arrive at your destination.

  • Eurostar: It’ll begin with a small number of business travellers, with more people added over time.

  • Eurotunnel and Ferries: Coach passengers will be the first to use the system from 12 October, followed by other travellers in the coming weeks.

  • By April 2026, every border crossing is expected to be using the system.

What can we expect, then, when we next travel to Europe?

The first time you travel, you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk. They look a bit like the e-gates you see at airports, with biometric scanners built in. You’ll scan your passport, then the machine will take your fingerprints and a photo. You’ll also answer four short questions about your trip, such as where you’re staying and whether you’ve got a return flight booked. If you’re going through Eurotunnel, those questions will be asked by border officers instead of the machine.

Once you’re registered, your details will be stored for three years. On future trips, all you’ll need is a quick face scan to confirm it’s you. It’s worth remembering that you can only spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area.

There are a few exceptions, for example, children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints. NB IMPORTANT: A full list of exemptions is available on the GOV.UK , externalwebsite.

Officials say it should take about two to three minutes per person, but families or those less familiar with self-service machines might take a bit longer.

Does this mean long queues?

As with all new systems, there are going to be glitches and an adjustment period. The UK government states that the checks should only take one to two minutes for each person, but they may result in longer waiting times at border control. This is why they are introducing the system gradually, to try to reduce the level of disruption.

During the initial transition period, the port of Dover will be able to temporarily stand down EES if queues get too long and revert to manual passport stamping. The key is to allow more than enough time for your journey and get there within the recommended time. Do checks beforehand, like check your passport is valid and have any travel documents you may need, ready and easily accessible.

The EU Border Agency is in the process of developing a mobile phone app to enable passengers to do part of the process before reaching the border, to try and make the experience as seamless as possible; however, it won’t be widely used just yet. But hopefully it will be another step towards making the process as quick and easy as possible.

What happens to our data when we register?

The data they will be collecting is no different to the data they collect now.

They will have access to:

  • The information listed in your travel documents includes your full name and date of birth.

  • Date and place of each entry and exit

  • Facial image and fingerprints

  • Whether you were refused entry

Countries will use your data for several reasons, including identifying travellers who aren’t allowed to enter, finding those using fake identities, and helping to prevent and investigate serious crimes. If you refuse to provide biometric data, you will be refused entry.

Will we need to have travel insurance?

There’s no new rule in the EES that says you must be insured to enter Europe.

However, France has said that border officers may ask for proof of medical travel insurance when you arrive, particularly once the new system is in full use. That’s already written into France’s existing entry requirements for non-EU visitors, and EES will make those checks a bit more consistent.

While it’s not mandatory under the new system, it’s definitely worth having travel insurance that covers medical costs, as your GHIC card only covers basic state healthcare (not private treatment, repatriation, or cancellations).

In short: EES won’t force you to buy insurance, but you could be asked for it. And it’s still the best way to make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong.