British travellers heading to Europe this year will navigate a transformed border landscape, as the European Union implements its long-awaited Entry-Exit System (EES) and prepares for the launch of a new travel authorisation.
The New Border Reality: Biometrics and Checks
The cornerstone of the change is the Entry-Exit System (EES), which began its rollout on 12 October 2025. While some nations are still transitioning, the process aims to be fully operational across the Schengen zone by April 2026. This area includes most EU nations (except Ireland and Cyprus), plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
The system's goals are threefold: to identify suspected criminals, combat identity fraud, and enforce the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for UK and other non-EU nationals.
For travellers, this means undergoing biometric checks. On your first encounter with the EES, you must provide four fingerprints and a facial scan. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. These formalities will occur at airports, ports, and land borders both on arrival and departure.
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent, has already tested the new kiosks at London St Pancras International. Be prepared for potential delays due to what's been dubbed "double red tape"—submitting biometrics while still receiving a passport stamp during the initial phase.
A Staggered Rollout: Critical Deadlines to Diarise
The implementation follows a strict calendar. By 10 January 2026, member states must operate the EES with biometric functions at half their border crossings, but only 35% of visitors need to be registered. This allows major tourist destinations like Spain or Italy to delay activation at their busiest airports.
The next key date is 11 March 2026, by which all borders must be biometric-enabled, with at least half of crossings connected to the central database. The transition should be complete by 31 March 2026, when every non-EU national should be registered on entry and exit.
Manual passport stamping will continue until 9 April 2026, after which it should cease if the EES is running smoothly across Europe.
The Next Phase: Introducing the Etias Travel Permit
Approximately six months after the EES is complete, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is scheduled to launch. The current estimated date is 9 October 2026.
This online permit, costing €20 (around £17), is similar to the US ESTA scheme but will be valid for three years. It will be free for applicants under 18 or over 70. Initially, there will be a six-month grace period where possession of an Etias is not a legal requirement for travel.
However, airlines may still deny boarding to passengers without one. The system becomes mandatory for UK visitors from 9 April 2027 (estimated).
Travellers should also note that border officers retain the right to request proof of sufficient funds and onward travel, as is currently the case. France has an additional requirement for visitors to hold medical insurance.
Once registered in the EES, subsequent trips will require only a single biometric check, most likely a facial scan, speeding up the process for frequent travellers. The changes mark a significant shift in post-Brexit travel, moving the UK into the category of "third-country nationals" subject to enhanced EU border controls.
