EES Explained: What the New EU Border Checks Mean for Your Next Holiday

12th September 2026

If you’re travelling from the UK to Europe soon, you may have heard about EES border checks. The EU’s flexibility period ended on 6 September 2026, meaning full biometric checks now apply for UK passport holders travelling across Schengen borders.

What is EES?

EES is a new digital border system replacing the routine stamping of passports for non-EU visitors entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
Instead of relying on passport stamps, the system records:
Your passport details
The date and place you enter or leave
Your facial image
Your fingerprints, where required
The aim is to make border records more accurate and help authorities monitor the 90 days in any 180-day period rule for short stays.
You won’t need to apply for EES or pay a registration fee. Your first registration takes place at the border when you travel.

What happens when you first cross the border?

At your first Schengen crossing, you’ll usually be directed to a self-service kiosk or border-control point. Your passport will be scanned, your facial image recorded and your fingerprints taken if you’re aged 12 or over.
Your EES record is valid for three years. On future trips during that period, your details should be matched against your existing record, rather than registering from scratch each time.
Depending on the border and your journey, you may also be asked for a fingerprint or facial image when leaving the Schengen Area.
There’s no need to worry : simply follow the instructions from your airport, port, rail operator or border staff.

Travelling with children?

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, but they still need a facial image recorded. Their entries and exits are also logged, so their time in the Schengen Area still counts towards the 90/180-day limit.
If you’re arranging a family holiday, our family holiday planners can help you understand what to expect and build extra time into your travel arrangements.

Where does EES apply?

EES applies when you travel to countries in the Schengen Area, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany and Switzerland.
It does not apply when travelling directly to:
Ireland
Cyprus
These countries aren’t part of the Schengen Area and have their own border arrangements. If your itinerary includes a Schengen country afterwards, EES checks may take place when you cross into that area.

EES and ETIAS are different

It’s easy to confuse EES with ETIAS, but they’re separate systems.
EES is completed at the border and records your entry, exit and biometric details.
ETIAS will be a separate online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors.
ETIAS isn’t live yet, so you don’t need to take any action for ETIAS at present. Be cautious of websites asking you to pay for an ETIAS application before the official launch.
For the latest government guidance, visit GOV.UK’s EES information or the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

How can you make your journey smoother?

Allow a little more time than you may have done previously, particularly for your first EES registration.
Eurostar: follow the arrival time shown on your ticket. At London St Pancras, Eurostar recommends arriving 45–75 minutes before departure depending on ticket class, and Premier gates close 15 minutes before departure.
Dover: if you’re travelling by car, follow the Port of Dover’s guidance and arrive no more than two hours before your scheduled sailing, not earlier. Have your travel documents ready.
Airports: allow up to three hours before departure, especially during school holidays and busy travel periods.
Keep passports, booking confirmations, medication, chargers, snacks and essential documents in your hand luggage.
Don’t rely on passport stamps to track your Schengen days. Keep your own record of entry and exit dates.

Need a little reassurance?

You don’t have to work everything out alone. Our Emmitt Travel consultants provide free, personalised advice before you travel. We can check your itinerary, explain which borders you’ll use and help make sure the practical details are covered.
Whether you’re booking tailor-made holidays, a city break or a family escape, your personal travel consultant can help you travel with more confidence : and less last-minute stress.
Contact Emmitt Travel to find out how we can help.