New Campaign to Prepare Travelers
UK authorities have launched a new campaign to raise awareness and prepare British travelers ahead of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
The system, which will roll out beginning October 12, 2025, will impact all eligible Schengen visa-exempt nationals visiting EU member countries.
Correspondingly, the UK government insists the campaign will help provide clarity and maintain smooth trips.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
In particular, the EES replaces manual passport stamps with automatic biometric checks. Soon, travelers must register their passports, fingerprints, and a facial image during their first entry. Meanwhile, registration lasts for three years or until the passport expires.
Importantly, the scheme applies across Schengen countries, including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. However, Ireland and Cyprus remain exempt. Consequently, UK visitors heading to Europe should prepare for the new procedure.
Why EES Awareness Matters
Government ministers argue that the campaign is necessary because public awareness remains low.
According to research from ABTA, only 51% of UK adults knew about the EES changes. Therefore, officials are using digital platforms, travel websites, and transport operators to spread information. Updates will also appear on GOV.UK and the Foreign Office’s Travel Aware pages.
“While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public,” remarked a spokesperson from the UK government.
“While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in,” he added.
How EES Works in Practice
Specifically, the first visit requires travelers to complete a full registration with fingerprints and a photo. Notably, children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints.
Meanwhile, on later visits, passengers only need a passport scan and either a fingerprint or photo. Consequently, entry will be faster once travelers register.
At ports such as Dover, Folkestone, and St. Pancras, EES registration happens before departure. Hence, officials warn travelers to allow extra time. Each check may take up to two minutes, potentially creating queues at peak periods.
Likewise, airlines and ferry operators have started preparing customers for these changes.
Preparations Underway
The government has already invested £10.5 million in new EES infrastructure at key ports to manage the transition. In addition, extra kiosks and staff will support travelers during the rollout.
Moreover, the UK is coordinating with EU partners and transport companies to reduce disruption. Officials stress that advance planning and clear communication remain central to success. Overall, travelers are urged to plan ahead, particularly during school holidays.
Implications and Outlook
Supporters argue the EES will strengthen border security, improve 90-day visa rule compliance, and eliminate time-consuming passport stamps. Nevertheless, officials admit there could be short-term delays as passengers adjust to the new process.
Therefore, the phased rollout until April 2026 is designed to limit pressure on peak travel months. In the longer term, the government expects the system to streamline journeys and boost efficiency at busy European borders.
Photo by Denis SHAO on Unsplash
