Archive · 16 Sep 2025
New EU Entry/Exit System to Affect UK Passport Holders
Starting in October 2025, if you have a UK passport and want to visit countries like France or Germany, you'll need to register your fingerprints and have a photo taken.
This is part of a new EU system called EES, and it replaces the old way of stamping passports.
You don't need to do anything before you travel, and it won't cost anything.
This registration is good for three years.
If you're traveling through the Port of Dover or similar entry points, you will have your biometric data taken before leaving the UK.
The EU is also planning another system called ETIAS, which will require you to apply for authorization and pay a fee before you go.
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) launches on October 12, 2025, affecting UK passport holders.
Travelers will need to provide fingerprints and a photo upon first entry to the Schengen area.
The EES will replace the current passport stamping system.
The digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
The EES aims to improve border security and reduce overstays.
- Who
- UK passport holders traveling to the Schengen area.
- What
- The EU will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) requiring biometric registration.
- When
- Starting October 12, 2025.
- Where
- Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).
- Why
- To improve border security, reduce illegal migration, and stop overstays.
- System Name
- Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Start Date
- October 12, 2025
- Affected Travelers
- UK passport holders visiting Schengen area
- Required Data
- Fingerprints and photo
- Validity of Digital Record
- 3 years
- Countries Not Affected
- Republic of Ireland and Cyprus