NEW Requirements for Travelling In Europe

Travelling in Europe

Updated 28 November 2025

Advice on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced on 12 October 2025, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

The EU (European Union) is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe:

• EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

  started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026.

• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

  ETIAS won't be needed for travel this year. The EU is introducing ETIAS towards the end of 2026.

Here are the systems in more detail and what you need to know

EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES)

The EU Entry/Exit system is a new electronic system that replaces the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating EU countries, which basically means it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area.

You will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned.

EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases and be fully operational by around the 10th April 2026.

It applies to those travelling for a short stay, from what the EU calls a ‘third country’. This is people who are not EU citizens or citizens of the Schengen area. Hence it will apply to most people travelling from the UK.

A short stay refers to visits, holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days and are taken within a 180 day period.

IMPORTANT: If you hold an Irish passport or if you are a British passport holder but have EU residency, then you are exempt from EES.

People of all ages will need to go through the EES checks, however children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but they will need to have a facial scan taken.

Which countries will it apply to?

These countries will be using it:

As part of the border process when travelling to Europe, you may be asked questions that relate to the Schengen Border Code. You may be asked where you are staying and for how long. This is not a new approach, it has been applicable to UK citizens since the UK left the EU (and common on other journeys)

The introduction of EES means countries now have the option to ask these questions electronically, which means is it more likely you will be asked these questions. We recommend you have all of your travel documentation and information to hand, such as the address of where you are staying.

If you are flying to a European country to join a cruise, you will complete the EES entry process at the airport where you first arrive in the Schengen Area. If your cruise ends in an EU country, your exit will be recorded at the border control of the airport or port from which you leave the Schengen Area to return home.

More information on EES can be found here - EES - European Union (europa.eu), and here - EES GOV.UK - (Gov.uk)

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorisation which you will need to apply for ahead of your travels to the 30 European countries listed below once the system is introduced. It is a similar concept to the USA’s ESTA and the UK’s ETA scheme.

You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.

When implemented, travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS by the official website – https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

As the system is not live, the website itself is not live or taking applications, so you cannot yet get an official ETIAS. Any websites claiming to offer this are false.

Fake websites offering ETIAS

There are currently more than 60 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, despite the system not yet being live. Don’t use an unofficial website: there’s the risk that you will be overcharged, that you won’t get an ETIAS and that your personal information could be stolen.

Useful Links:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias