The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance for 29 European countries, many popular with UK holidaymakers. The changes relate to the introduction of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require biometric registration for short-stay travellers entering the Schengen area.
Affected countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The EES is being rolled out in phases, with full operation expected from April 10, 2026.
Under the new system, travellers may need to provide fingerprints and a photo on their first visit to a Schengen country. The FCDO advises that no action is required before arrival, and registration is free. However, passengers should expect additional waiting times at borders as the process may take a few minutes per person.
Children aged 11 or under will not have their fingerprints taken but may still need a photo. Until the EES is fully operational, passports will continue to be stamped. Once fully rolled out, the system will replace manual stamping, and biometric details will be required on each entry and exit.
For those entering the Schengen area via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International, registration will take place before leaving the UK. A digital EES record remains valid for three years, during which only a fingerprint or photo will be needed on subsequent trips.
