EU Entry/Exit System starts 12 October: what UK drivers need to know

EU Entry/Exit System starts 12 October: what UK drivers need to know

trans.info — 2025-09-22

Land transportation

From 12 October 2025, new digital border controls will change how UK citizens and professional drivers travel to Europe. Here’s your essential guide to the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launches on 12 October 2025, introducing biometric border checks for all British travellers entering the Schengen area. This automated system will replace the familiar passport stamping process with digital registration requiring fingerprints and photographs.

The UK Government has launched an awareness campaign to prepare passengers, while industry groups including the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and British International Freight Association (BIFA) are warning of possible delays during the initial rollout.

What is the EES system?

According to the European Commission, EES is designed to strengthen EU border security and reduce illegal overstays. Instead of having passports stamped manually, travellers will be required to register their biometric details at kiosks or with border officials.

The rules apply to all UK nationals travelling to the 27 Schengen area countries for short stays. Popular destinations such as France, Spain, Germany and Italy are covered, but Ireland and Cyprus are exempt.

Countries where EES applies

The following Schengen area countries require EES registration:

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.

Not covered: Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.

Freight and coach travel

The RHA says freight and coach passengers will be among the first to experience EES when it comes into force on 12 October. Preparations have been under way at Eurotunnel Folkestone and Dover, including new reception areas and dedicated processing lanes.

• Freight drivers with UK passports will be directed into dedicated UK lanes. After UK passport control, French officials will carry out biometric checks before scanning passports.
• Drivers who hold an EU passport will not be subject to EES. They will continue to present their ID or passport as before and are not required to register biometrics.
• Coach passengers will disembark at a reception area, complete biometric checks, then reboard before French authorities finalise the process at the coach terminal.

The RHA cautions that the rollout will depend on the staffing levels of French border posts. While freight and coach traffic are due to be processed from 12 October, other tourist traffic is expected to be phased in from 1 November, with full implementation by April 2026.

How the registration process works

The UK Government explains that travellers will face two types of procedures:

First-time registration

On their first visit after 12 October, UK passport holders must:

• Scan their passport
• Have a photograph taken
• Provide fingerprint scans
• Create a digital record

Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted, but all travellers — including babies — will have photographs stored.

Subsequent visits

Once created, the digital record remains valid for three years or until the passport expires. Future trips will only require a passport scan and either a fingerprint or photo.

Where the checks will take place

The Department for Transport has confirmed that passengers at juxtaposed UK–EU borders will need to complete EES registration before departure.

• Eurotunnel (Folkestone): A purpose-built pre-registration area will handle biometric checks.
• Port of Dover: Processing will take place at kiosks in the Western Docks area or via agents with tablets, depending on the type of vehicle.
• Eurostar (St Pancras): Three sets of self-service kiosks will be installed before the ticket gates.
• For passengers flying from UK airports, registration will instead take place on arrival at the destination airport within the Schengen area.

Timeline and delays

BIFA notes that the EU will phase in EES over six months, meaning border procedures may differ between ports until April 2026. The government has invested £10.5 million in border infrastructure at Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras to reduce disruption, but officials warn of possible queues during the initial adjustment period.

90-day rule reminder

Border experts stress that the EES will automatically enforce the existing 90 days in any 180-day period limit for UK citizens. Travellers who overstay could face fines or entry bans, as digital records will replace manual passport checks.

Exemptions

Some UK nationals, including holders of residence permits and those with diplomatic status, are exempt from EES registration. The European Commission advises exempt travellers to present documentation at the border. If an EES record is created by mistake, it should be deleted by authorities.

Be aware: ETIAS from 2026

The EES is only the first stage of EU border reforms. From 2026, the EU plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). UK citizens will need to apply online before travelling, provide trip details, and pay a €20 fee.

Practical tips for drivers

The UK Government and travel operators recommend the following:

• Allow extra time for border checks, especially for your first trip after 12 October.
• Check your passport validity – it must be valid for at least three months beyond your travel dates.
• Follow operator guidance at ports, stations and airports.
• Keep documents handy, especially exemption paperwork if applicable.
• Expect queues – first-time checks may take several minutes per passenger.