Safety & Support

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025 and is now live at border points across the Schengen Area. It is a digital border system that replaces traditional passport stamping for all UK and non-EU nationals travelling into Europe on a short stay.

Rather than having their passport stamped, travellers will be required to scan their passport and have their fingerprints and photograph taken at the border. This is free of charge and does not require any advance registration - everything is done at the border crossing itself.

What countries does it apply to?

EES applies when entering or exiting any of the Schengen Area countries:

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 and Switzerland.

EES does not apply when travelling to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus, as neither country is within the Schengen Area.

How does EES registration work?

On your first crossing into the Schengen Area after EES is in force, a full digital record will be created - this involves a passport scan, fingerprints and a photograph. This registration is then valid for three years or until the passport expires or is renewed, whichever comes sooner.

On subsequent visits within that three-year window, travellers only need to provide a passport scan and one biometric (either fingerprints or a facial image), making the process quicker.

Children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints but will still need a facial scan.

It is important that all travellers use the same passport consistently on every entry and exit. If a traveller holds more than one passport, they must use the same document throughout the trip.

Will EES cause delays for school groups?

Potentially, yes - particularly during the current rollout phase. Some airports and border crossing points have reported longer processing times as the system is scaled up, and experience has varied considerably by location. TCBC strongly recommends allowing additional time at border control, briefing students in advance so they know what to expect, and ensuring all passports are valid and readily accessible.

When will EES be fully operational?

EES is being rolled out progressively, with full implementation at all Schengen border points targeted for 10 April 2026. Member states may temporarily pause or reduce checks after that date during periods of peak travel to manage congestion, so experiences may continue to vary through summer 2026.

Who is exempt from EES?

The following are exempt from EES checks:

• EU and Schengen Area nationals
• Irish passport holders
• Non-EU nationals who hold residency in a Schengen country
• Holders of long-stay visas or residence permits
• British passport holders with EU residency

For the full list of exemptions, visit the EU's official Travel Europe website: travel-europe.europa.eu

What should schools do to prepare?

• Allow extra time at border crossings, particularly at airports, ports and stations
• Brief students and staff in advance - knowing what to expect will reduce anxiety at the border
• Ensure all passports are valid and that everyone uses the same passport throughout the trip
• Check whether any members of your group may be exempt (for example, EU nationals or those with EU residency)

Further reading

For more detail on how EES will work in practice for school groups, including travel by air, coach, ferry and Eurostar, read our blog post: What You Need to Know About the New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

For the latest official guidance, visit: gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system

Last updated: February 2026