Upcoming EU Border Systems and Their Impact on British Travelers

British travelers planning trips to Europe should be aware of significant changes at the border. A new Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to launch on October 12th for non-European Union nationals. This system applies to those traveling for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The EES will be implemented in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. It affects both those who need a short-stay visa and those who do not. Exemptions exist for non-EU nationals with a residence card who are directly related to an EU national.

The European Union states the EES will improve border efficiency, making travel faster and easier. It is also intended to enhance security and monitor entries and exits within the Schengen Area, where passport-free travel is permitted. Travel experts advise that travelers should be prepared for these new rules and plan accordingly.

Upon first arrival at a border after the EES launch, travelers will be required to provide personal data. Passport control officers will scan fingerprints or take a photo. Pre-registering some details can expedite the process, potentially through self-service machines or an app, depending on the arrival or departure country. For children under 12, only a photo will be required. Once the photo or fingerprints are in the system, border crossings should be quicker. Travelers with e-passports can use self-service gates if available. An e-passport is identifiable by a small, gold camera-shaped logo on the front cover.

In addition to the EES, the EU plans to introduce a new travel authorization system in 2026. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch sometime in the last three months of next year. ETIAS is a requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries and is linked to the traveler's passport. It will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. A new passport requires a new ETIAS authorization.

A valid ETIAS authorization allows non-EU nationals to enter the same European countries as under the EES system for short-term stays. However, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards will still check passports and other documents to ensure entry conditions are met. To apply, a valid travel document to which a visa can be attached is needed. The document should not expire in less than three months and should be no older than 10 years. The application will cost approximately £17.30 (20 euros) and can be paid online. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.