A new digital border system which alters the requirements for British citizens begins on Sunday, October 12
Make sure your passport has the correct expiry date(Image: GETTY)
This weekend sees the start of the European Union’s new entry and exit system (EES) which will mean changes for British travellers. On Sunday, October 12, the new digital border system brings in new requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.
The Schengen area allows more than 450million people to move freely between EU member countries without undergoing border controls. But from Sunday, if you’re journeying to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you’ll be obliged to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, upon arrival.
You may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport upon arrival.
You’ll need to provide your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.
The Foreign Office states: “From October 12, 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin.
“When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken and answer the Schengen Border Code questions.
“If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK.
“You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
“EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”
They say that your digital EES record will remain valid for three years.
If you re-enter the Schengen area during this period, you’ll only be required to provide a fingerprint or photograph at the border upon entry and departure.
To enter the Schengen area, your passport must bear a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years prior to your arrival date.
Your passport must also display an ‘expiry date’ of at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
If your passport has expired or doesn’t have sufficient validity left, you’ll need to renew it before travelling.
Even if your passport is burgundy or bears the ‘European Union‘ on the cover, it remains valid for travel as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
The Schengen area comprises of the following 29 countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period, or you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons
Other reasons include:
- studying a short course
- getting medical treatment
- travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
- journalism or other media activities
Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting on the UK Government’s website for more information.