The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated digital registration system which will operate at the point of entry to register non-EU nationals (including British nationals) when they visit participating EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The EES is being rolled out gradually by participating European countries from Sunday, 12 October 2025. Cyprus and Ireland will not implement the EES.
For non-EU nationals, a day-count limit applies to visits to the EU, generally restricting visits to no more than 90 days in each rolling 180-day period, unless a long-term residence permit or visa is held. The EES will create and retain a digital record of entry and exit data for those travelling to countries implementing the system. Once fully implemented (which is expected to be by 10 April 2026), the EES will make it much easier for authorities to track the length of stay and detect any overstaying across the participating countries.
Once rolled out at the external borders of participating countries, the EES will capture and store:
- data listed on passports (including full name, date of birth, etc.)
- the date and place of each entry and exit
- biometric data, i.e. digital facial image and digital fingerprints
- a record of any refusals of entry
The EES will apply to both visa nationals (who must obtain a visa before travel) and non-visa nationals (who can travel on a 'visa waiver' basis). Whilst there have been fears of significant delays and disruption as a result of the rollout, the gradual implementation is expected to help minimise disruption. Travellers will want to allow extra time to complete the new EES procedures particularly during the early days of the rollout.
Separately, the EU is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a new visa waiver programme (similar to the ESTA programme which applies in the US). Once rolled out, all non-EU nationals (including UK nationals) travelling to the EU will need to apply online or via a mobile app prior to travel for ETIAS approval. It will allow stays of up to 90 days in every 180 days, while longer stays will require a visa or residence permit. The launch date has now been pushed back to the last quarter of 2026 with a specific date not yet confirmed.
British citizens do not require visas to visit the EU or Schengen countries but must qualify for entry under the visitor rules, which include strict limits on permitted activities, including a prohibition against undertaking productive work.
We understand that these changes might raise some questions, and we are here to help you navigate them. Please feel free to contact Moji and Katie if you have any questions.
