The much delayed EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will not be introduced until after this year’s peak summer holiday period, officials have indicated.
The new digital border system is now expected to start in October after it was put back from last November because not all countries were ready for implementation.
The system was originally meant to be introduced in 2022 but has faced several delays.
The Foreign Office altered travel advice to multiple European countries on Monday – including France, Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy – to reflect the anticipated revised October start date.
However, the advice echoed latest EU guidance, which said: “The European Union will inform about the specific start date of the EES several months prior to its launch.”
Abta has already updated its advice for consumers to reflect an autumn start date and is continuing to monitor developments in the EU, public affairs director Luke Petherbridge confirmed to Travel Weekly last week.
The EU is then expected to start the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) in the last quarter of 2026.
“The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of Etias before its launch,” the Foreign Office guidance adds.
“When Etias is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a €7 fee, as part of the authorisation process.”
The latest government advice notes: “When EES is introduced, you will need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will be required to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.
“You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.
“If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you may experience longer queue times when you arrive at your destination.
“At some ports and international stations (Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras), there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK. If you are travelling through one of these stations, you should check with your travel operator to find out whether EES will affect your journey.
“Your digital record is valid for three years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.”
EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area.
It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.
“The UK government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES,” the guidance adds.
“The government is supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for people travelling to the Schengen area.
“UK government support includes providing Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover with £3.5 million each, to spend on registration kiosks and infrastructure.”
Eurostar expects EES registration to be quick and easy. It will have 50 kiosks across three locations at stations for people to carry out the checks.
Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks and estimates EES checks will add just over five minutes to journey times.
The Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register passengers in cars using agents and tablets “to make the process as straightforward as possible”.