Entry/Exit System (EES)
Travel to the EU is Changing!
✈️ Planning a trip to Europe in 2025 or beyond?
From 12 October 2025, the way British passport holders enter most EU countries is changing.
A new system called the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping. Travellers will need to scan their passports and register their fingerprints and a photo when arriving at the border. This will be a one-time registration and is designed to make future crossings quicker and more efficient.
💡 And looking ahead, a second change is coming. From 2026, UK travellers will also need to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation before visiting EU countries, similar to the US ESTA.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! If you’re planning a European holiday, we’re here to help with any questions!
Other Changes coming in 2026
Following the introduction of EES, a second change is expected in 2026, the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is an online travel authorisation that UK passport holders will need to apply for before visiting most EU countries. It’s not a visa, but it will be a mandatory step for short stays. Travellers will complete a short online form, pay a small fee, and in most cases receive approval within minutes.
We’ll keep this page updated as soon as the EU confirms a launch date and application process.
For the latest government information, visit the official EU Entry/Exit System page on GOV.UK.