Saying ‘goodbye’ to passport stamps, and ‘hello’ to automated travel checks: how will the EES affect my travel?

If you currently hold a UK (or any other non-EU) passport and are looking to travel in the EU/Schengen area, your pre-travel requirements are soon expected to change. The introduction of the Enter/Exit System (EES) will impose various changes to the submission of documents and collection of traveller information. It is crucial that you are aware of these modifications prior to your travel.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to enter into force from 12 October 2025 and will be gradually implemented over an estimated period of 6 months. This system will introduce various changes for non-EU nationals who wish to travel to the Schengen Area. The aim is to create a centralised and effective system to manage the EU’s external borders in the hope of increasing the efficiency of border crossings, combatting irregular migration and limiting national security threats.

What are the key changes being introduced by the EES?

The main changes that will be introduced by the EES include:

• Replacing the use of manual passport stamps with an automated system;
• Electronic registration of time and place of entry and exit of third-country nationals admitted for short stays in the Schengen area;
• Automatic calculations for the duration of each stay in the Schengen area;
• Alerting authorities of travellers who overstay their time restrictions;
• Registering refusal of entry data;
• Introduction of the “Travel to Europe” mobile app allowing travellers to pre-register travel document data and facial images prior to their arrival at an EU border crossing;
• Recording and storing fingerprints and/or facial images.

Does this system apply to me?

The EES will apply to you if:

• You are not an EU passport holder (including the UK); and
• You are a short-term visa holder; or
• You are a visa-exempt traveller.

The EES will not apply to you if:

• You are a non-EU citizen who is a legal resident in an EU/Schengen country; or
• You have a long-stay visa in an EU/Schengen country; or
• You hold an EU/Schengen country passport (including an Irish passport).

How can we help?

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you would like to discuss your circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2025