Foreign Office alert to UK holidaymakers travelling to 29 European countries

The Foreign Office has issued an update for UK holidaymakers planning to visit 29 European countries that the EU is planning a major change towards the end of the year. In a series of updates on its website, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said people will encounter the new Entry/Exit system (EES) from October.

Countries affected are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

This forthcoming EES is a new digital border scheme set to change the protocol for UK citizens visiting the Schengen area. Despite previous postponements, the EU is targeting an October launch date for the system, reports the Liverpool Echo.

According to the Foreign Office: "If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU."

"EES is expected to start in October 2025. It is not currently in operation. The European Union will inform about the specific start date of the EES before its launch."

If you are travelling to the Schengen area

When EES is rolled out, travellers will need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport upon arrival. This will involve submitting fingerprints and having a photo taken at dedicated booths.

You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you may experience longer queue times when you arrive at your destination.

At certain ports and international stations (Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras), there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers depart the UK. If you're travelling through one of these stations, it's recommended to check with your travel operator to find out whether EES will impact your journey.

Your digital record will be valid for 3 years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you'll only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.

Why the EU is introducing EES

EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.

EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security. In the last quarter of 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS before its launch.

When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a 7 Euro fee, as part of the authorisation process.

The EU has already set out more information on ETIAS, including what information will be required from each nationality, on the EU's official Travel Europe website.

How EES will affect travelling to the Schengen area

The Foreign Office said: "The UK government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES. The government is supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for people travelling to the Schengen area.

"UK government support includes providing Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover with £3.5 million each, to spend on registration kiosks and infrastructure. Eurostar expects EES registration to be quick and easy. It will have 50 kiosks across 3 locations at stations for people to carry out the checks.

"Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks and estimate EES checks will add just over 5 minutes to journey times. Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register passengers in cars using agents and tablets to make the process as straightforward as possible."

Find out more information on the EES initiative on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

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