Travelers heading to Europe from the UK will be required to show proof of a return ticket and medical insurance as part of increased border checks under EU regulations.
The European Union is set to introduce a new digital border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), from October 12, 2025. This system, which replaces the current manual passport stamping process, will affect British citizens traveling to the EU Schengen area.
Under the new system, Brits will be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photograph, upon arrival in the Schengen area using their UK passport. This registration process will take place at automated self-service kiosks at most airports and ferry terminals.
The EES system is designed to automatically register the date and place of entry and exit, track the length of stay, and enforce the 90-day maximum stay within any 180-day period allowed for UK nationals in the Schengen zone.
Former borders chief, Tony Smith, has warned that this new system may lead to longer wait times at border control due to the additional time required for biometric data capture. There are also concerns about potential long queues at EU airports, particularly at Dover, Folkestone, and London's St Pancras station.
The EES system was initially planned to come into force in November last year but was delayed due to concerns raised by EU members. The system will connect all external Schengen borders to a central database and will be rolled out over 180 days from October 12, 2025, to April 9, 2026.
Upon first use of the EES system, British travellers will have their fingerprints and facial images taken. Passengers will also be asked questions about proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, medical insurance, and return or onward tickets. Those who answer no to any questions may be quizzed by a border officer, who can refuse entry.
The EES system was designed to address concerns about potential overstaying by registrants. Under post-Brexit rules, Britons can only stay for 90 days in any 180-day period in the EU without the right to work or reside.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the current manual stamping of passports for visitors to Europe's borderless Schengen area who are not nationals of EU or Schengen countries. Non-EU passport holders, including Brits, will have to provide fingerprints and a photograph upon first use of the system. The system will automatically flag arrivals at risk of overstaying.
Tony Smith, a former borders chief, has warned about the looming impact of new entry requirements being imposed by Brussels on Britons. He predicts that Britons may face longer waits at EU airports due to the implementation of the EES system.
In summary, the new EES system will automate border entry/exit data and enforce stay limits through a centralized biometric database, potentially requiring more time at border control but improving security and monitoring.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) in the EU will not only affect travel but also sports, news, and lifestyle for British citizens. For instance, delays at border control could impact a sports enthusiast's travel plans to watch a football match in Europe, or a journalist's timeline for covering news events. Furthermore, longer wait times might influence lifestyle choices, such as spontaneous weekend getaways, due to the uncertainty of border control times.
