What are these new travel rules?<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Where EES will come in:<\/p>\n
Airports: Registration starts from 12 October when you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Eurostar: It’ll begin with a small number of business travellers, with more people added over time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Eurotunnel and Ferries: Coach passengers will be the first to use the system from 12 October, followed by other travellers in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
By April 2026, every border crossing is expected to be using the system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What can we expect, then, when we next travel to Europe?<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n