\n On October 12, the European Union will launch its new entry-exit system, which will mean stricter rules for British tourists.\n<\/p>\n
\n The changes will mean that Brits will now need to carry proof of medical insurance and a return ticket, as part of the new digital system.\n<\/p>\n
\n Plus, all non-EU passport holders will have their fingerprints and photograph taken the first time they use the entry-exit system.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ahead of the launch of the entry-exit system from the EU, here’s everything you need to know.\n<\/p>\n
\n\n Travelling to Europe in October? \u2708\ufe0f<\/p>\n
The launch of the Entry\/Exit system means requirements for British and other non-EU citizens travelling to Europe are changing.<\/p>\n
Find out how new EU border checks will impact you \ud83d\udc47 pic.twitter.com\/VS78gp4NE7<\/a>\n <\/p>\n
\n \u2014 Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 26, 2025<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What is the EU’s new entry-exit system?<\/p>\n
\n The new system, called the entry and exit system (EES), will come into place for airports, ferry ports and all other border crossings.\n<\/p>\n
\n EES has been designed to track border crossing digitally using fingerprints and facial recognition.\n<\/p>\n
\n The system will replace passport stamping at border control when arriving or leaving a country.\n<\/p>\n
How does the exit and entry system work?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n EES will mean all travellers from outside of the EU will be known as third-country nationals and will have to register passport details and biometric data when entering an EU country.\n<\/p>\n
\n Borders will have self-service style kiosks where passengers will be able to share the information.\n<\/p>\n
\n The data will be kept for future visits, which means that all future visits only require verification of the biometric data.\n<\/p>\n
\n Visitors will still be asked questions by border officials relating to proof of accommodation, money, insurance and a return ticket.\n<\/p>\n
How will Brits be affected by the new Entry\/Exit System?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n British citizens (using a UK passport) travelling to a country in the Schengen area (full list below) will be required under the new EES to register biometric details, according to the Gov.uk<\/strong><\/a> website<\/strong><\/a> .\n<\/p>\n
\n This will involve having your fingerprints and a photo taken at dedicated booths at the port or airport upon arrival.\n<\/p>\n
\n No action is required before you travel, and there is no cost involved for the EES registration.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Government website adds: “After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.\u202f”\n<\/p>\n
\n The new system may mean passengers are left waiting “longer than usual” at border security the first time while completing the registration.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, once registered, your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border (upon entry and exit).\n<\/p>\n
Are children exempt from the new EU rules for British travellers?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n Children are not exempt\u00a0from the new changes; children under 12 will be required to have their faces scanned, but\u00a0they will not need to give fingerprints.\n<\/p>\n
What countries will use the EES system?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n The new system will be in place across 25 EU countries as well as members of the Schengen.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n The countries which will have EES are:\n<\/p>\n
\n
- Austria\n <\/li>\n
- Belgium\n <\/li>\n
- Bulgaria\n <\/li>\n
- Crotia\n <\/li>\n
- Czech Republic\n <\/li>\n
- Denmark\n <\/li>\n
- Estonia\n <\/li>\n
- Finland\n <\/li>\n
- France\n <\/li>\n
- Germany\n <\/li>\n
- Greece\n <\/li>\n
- Hungary\n <\/li>\n
- Iceland\n <\/li>\n
- Italy\n <\/li>\n
- Lativa\n <\/li>\n
- Liechtenstein\n <\/li>\n
- Lithuania\n <\/li>\n
- Luxembourg\n <\/li>\n
- Malta\n <\/li>\n
- Netherlands\n <\/li>\n
- Norway\n <\/li>\n
- Poland\n <\/li>\n
- Portugal\n <\/li>\n
- Romania\n <\/li>\n
- Slovakia\n <\/li>\n
- Slovenia\n <\/li>\n
- Spain\n <\/li>\n
- Sweden\n <\/li>\n
- Switezerland\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n