New Travel Rules for Brits: EES & ETIAS - What You Need to Know

Entry/Exit System (EES) — Starting 12 October 2025

From 12 October 2025, the EU will begin rolling out the EES, a digital border system designed to replace traditional passport stamps. The system will record travellers’ entry and exit times electronically, using biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition.

Key points for British travellers:

• Phased rollout: EES will gradually become fully operational over six months, expected to finish by April 2026.

• Children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprinting.

• Passport stamping may continue at some borders during the rollout period.

• The familiar 90 days in any 180-day period rule for short stays still applies.

In practice, EES means that border crossings will be faster and more secure, but travellers should ensure their passports are valid and in good condition for biometric scanning.

ETIAS — Delayed to Late 2026

ETIAS, the EU’s new travel authorisation system, was originally planned to start earlier but is now expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS is not a visa, but it will be required for British citizens to enter Schengen countries once fully operational.

• Fee: €20 for travellers aged 18–70.

• Validity: 3 years, or until passport expiry (whichever comes first).

• Transitional period: Initially, travellers without ETIAS may still be allowed entry, giving time to adjust to the new system.

Online applications will be straightforward, with most approved within minutes, but travellers should apply before their trip.

ETIAS authorisation does not guarantee entry — travellers must still meet all standard entry requirements.

Which countries are included?

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

Which countries aren't included?

• Republic of Ireland - Brits will not need an ETIAS to travel to the Republic of Ireland as it is not in the Schengen Area and the two countries have a longstanding Common Travel Area that predates Schengen Area.

• Cyprus is also not part of the Schengen area and is expected to be exempt from the ETIAS rules.