Getting ready for EES

If you're travelling to Europe soon, you should hopefully be aware of the EU Entry/Exit System (known as EES), which comes into effect in October 2025.

The EES will require UK passport holders and other non-EU nationals to register at the border by scanning their passport and having fingerprints and a photograph taken, similar to how it currently works when you arrive in countries like the United States.

The requirement will apply throughout the Shengen area including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It will currently not apply when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.

We've taken this information from the Home Office press release, but we recommend you always check a country's entry requirement on the Government website before you book, and again before you travel.

British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling 3-year period or until the passport expires. Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but under the new EU rules. All travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.

On exit, and for subsequent entries and exits to or from a participating country, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either their fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

European countries using EES will phase this new system in over 6 months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026. This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods.

For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK.

The changes will be implemented over a 6 month period so you may notice some entry ports still following existing processes between now and April 2026.

If you've booked your holiday with Mynt Travel and you have any questions about EES, don't hesitate to get in touch.