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The EU’s New Digital Border System: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

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Big changes are coming to border control in Europe, and if you’re a UK traveller, here’s what you need to know before heading off on your next trip from London Southend Airport. 

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital system that will record the movements of non-EU visitors – including British travellers – when they enter and exit the Schengen Area. Instead of getting your passport stamped, your details will be logged electronically.

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When Does It Start?

The EU has confirmed that EES is expected to launch from October 2025, though the rollout will be phased. Some countries will introduce it all at once, while others will gradually implement it over a six-month period.

What Do You Need to Do?

When EES is fully in place, UK travellers will need to provide:

  • A valid passport
  • A fingerprint scan
  • A facial scan
  • Travel details

How Will the Rollout Work?

EU countries will be given the option to implement EES immediately, or to opt for a phased rollout. For countries choosing a phased rollout:

  • During the first month, 10% of border crossings will be registered digitally.
  • During the first 60 days, no biometric information will be collected.
  • After three months, full biometric registration will begin.
  • By the end of the six-month transition, EES will be fully operational.

Until the transition period is over, manual passport stamping will continue.

What About ETIAS?

EES is separate from ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is a visa-waiver scheme for UK travellers. You can learn more about ETIAS here. 

The EU has confirmed that ETIAS will not be mandatory until at least six months after EES is running smoothly. Even then, there will be another six-month grace period where it will be optional.

So, while EES is coming soon, ETIAS likely won’t be required until mid-to-late 2026.

How Can You Prepare?

  • Make sure your passport is valid (at least 3 months left on it and less than 10 years old).
  • Be ready for new biometric checks at the border. 
  • Keep an eye on official updates to know when ETIAS will be required.
  • Avoid unofficial websites offering ETIAS applications – it’s not live yet!

The team at London Southend Airport will keep you posted on all the latest travel updates, so check back for more details as the rollout progresses. Happy travels!

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