British travellers are being advised to prepare for incoming EU border checks as the UK Government following the launch of a new awareness campaign around changes.

From 12 October 2025, the EU will introduce EES for UK and non-EU nationals, travelling for a short stay.  EES is an automated system that will require travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken.

EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.  EES will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.

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.

Travellers do not need to take any action before travelling and EES registration is free.  EES checks will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take slightly longer than previous border checks.