Europe Travel Rules Are Changing: What UK Travellers Need to Know About EES and ETIAS

Planning a European getaway soon? Things are about to change. From fingerprint scans at the border to a new €20 travel authorisation fee, the way Britons enter Europe is being completely overhauled.

These changes come in the form of two new systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation Service (ETIAS). While both aim to modernise border control and improve security, they also mean travellers will need to prepare differently before heading to the continent.

Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to what’s changing—and how it will affect your next trip.

✈️ What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System is the EU’s new digital border control system, designed to replace traditional passport stamping. Instead of a quick stamp and wave-through, travellers will now be registered electronically using biometric data.

This means that when you enter the Schengen Area, your:

• Fingerprints

• Facial image

• Passport details

will be scanned and stored in a secure system.

The aim is to create a more accurate way of tracking how long visitors stay in Europe, particularly for those travelling visa-free (like UK citizens, who are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period).

📅 When Will EES Start?

The rollout of EES began in October 2025, but full implementation has been delayed until September 2026.

Rather than launching all at once, the system is being introduced gradually across Europe. Some countries—including France, Spain, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands—have already started using it at certain border points.

During this transition period:

• You may still get your passport stamped

• You may also be asked to register your biometric data

Expect a mix of old and new processes depending on where you travel.

🛂 How Will Border Control Change?

Once EES is fully in place, crossing into Europe will look very different:

• You’ll use self-service kiosks or e-gates at many airports and ports

• Your fingerprints and photo will be scanned on your first visit

• Future trips will be quicker, as your data is already stored

• Passport stamps will disappear entirely

In theory, this should make border crossings faster in the long run. But in the early stages, delays are expected—especially for first-time users.

⚠️ Will There Be Delays?

Short answer: probably, at least initially.

There have already been concerns about:

• Long queues at busy airports and ferry terminals

• Slower processing times for cars and coach passengers

• Technical issues during rollout

For example, early trials have seen delays of several hours at certain locations. Ferry ports like Dover and Eurotunnel crossings may also take longer, as passengers will need to leave their vehicles to complete biometric checks.

To manage this, the EU has introduced a temporary “flexibility” rule—meaning not all travellers will be registered immediately during peak periods.

Still, UK travellers are expected to feel the biggest impact, simply because they make up a large proportion of visitors to Europe.

🌍 What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have removed internal border controls between them. It includes most EU nations plus countries like Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.

Once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel freely between them—but your total stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

The new EES system will track this automatically.

💳 What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is the second big change—and it affects how you travel before you even leave home.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation Service (ETIAS) is a visa waiver system, similar to the US ESTA. It’s designed to pre-screen travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK.

Before travelling, you’ll need to:

• Fill out an online application

• Answer security questions

• Pay a fee

Once approved, your ETIAS will be linked digitally to your passport.

💶 How Much Will ETIAS Cost?

Originally priced at €7, the fee has now increased to €20 per application.

Once approved:

• Your ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires)

• It can be used for multiple trips

📝 How Do You Apply for ETIAS?

When the system goes live, the application process will be simple and fully online.

You’ll need:

• A valid passport

• An email address

• A debit or credit card

You’ll also provide:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)

• Travel information

• Answers to security questions

Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes.

🔍 What Are the Security Checks?

Your application will be automatically checked against international security databases, including:

• Europol

• Interpol

• EU watchlists

You’ll also be asked about:

• Criminal history

• Travel to conflict zones

• Any past immigration issues

In most cases, having a minor criminal record won’t prevent approval—but serious offences could lead to rejection.

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Have ETIAS?

Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, you won’t be able to travel without it.

Airlines, train operators and ferry companies will check your authorisation before boarding. Without it, you could be denied travel—or entry at the border.

🤔 Why Are These Changes Happening?

The EU says the goal is to:

• Improve border security

• Reduce illegal overstays

• Modernise outdated systems

• Speed up processing in the long term

While it adds an extra step for travellers, it brings Europe in line with systems already used in countries like the US, Canada and Australia.

🧳 What It Means for UK Travellers

In practical terms, here’s what you should expect:

Short-term (2026):

• Possible queues and delays

• Mixed use of passport stamps and biometric checks

Long-term (from 2027):

• Faster border crossings after initial registration

• Mandatory ETIAS approval before travel

• No more passport stamping

✨ Final Thoughts

Travel to Europe isn’t becoming harder—but it is becoming more structured.

The days of simply hopping on a flight with your passport are evolving into a more digital, security-focused process. While there may be some teething problems during rollout, the long-term aim is a smoother, smarter travel experience.

For now, the key is simple: stay informed, allow extra time at borders, and be ready for a more high-tech journey across Europe.

For more detailed information, visit the EU’s ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias.

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