Trade leaders welcome 'clarity' over introduction of EU Entry-Exit System

The EU has confirmed its much-delayed EU Entry-Exit System (EES) will come into effect from October 12 and be gradually implemented over a six-month period.

 

The phased rollout of the new biometric border rules will last until April 9, 2026, before the scheme is fully operational at all EU borders from April 10.

 

EES will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, each time they cross a border into or out of the EU. 

 

It will require all non-EU citizens to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics when crossing the border into the EU for the first time. This data will be held on file for three years.

 

Children under the age of 12 will not have their fingerprints taken.

 

The aim of EES is to replace manual passport stamping and improve border security and efficiency. 

 

EES was previously scheduled for a ‘big bang’ launch in November 2024, but this was postponed in October due to concerns among member states – notably Germany and France – that the technology was not sufficiently tested and robust.

 

Now, some British passport holders heading abroad during October half-term holidays will need to give fingerprints and facial biometrics.

 

Until the end of the transition period, member states will continue to manually stamp travel documents.

 

The EU has also confirmed that European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be introduced between October and December 2026.

 

The fee for this is expected to treble from €7 (£6) to €20 (£17).

 

Speaking about the confirmation of the start date for EES, Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The confirmation of a 12 October start date for the phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) provides clarity for the travel industry and allows Abta members to begin advising their customers on the changes. 

 

“In the run-up to EES phased implementation it is important there is a clear communication plan from both the EU and the UK Government, so UK travellers know what’s expected of them and to build confidence in the new process.

 

“Abta will also share relevant materials with our members to help build awareness, including on our dedicated EES and Etias webpages. 

 

“We also encourage EU member states to adopt the EES app as soon as possible. The app will allow travellers to provide information in advance and cut down EES processing times at airports and ports.” 

 

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "Now there is an official start date in October for the roll out of entry-exit system (EES) for British travellers visiting the EU, it is essential that there is a smooth and efficient process for border staff to implement the new measures in order to minimise any possible disruption faced by travellers on their journeys. 

 

"With the October half term following soon after, we are anticipating high demand for travel which could see significant delays if border staff have not received the necessary preparation to adjust to the new processes.” 

 

She added: "As countries across the EU will be adopting the system at different stages over the first six months, it is not yet clear which destinations will be first to adopt the technology and require British travellers to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics. We expect the EES to be a small addition to the process of travel and have minimal impact on the incredibly strong demand we are seeing for travel this year from consumers. 

 

“Looking ahead to the introduction of the Etias visa between October and December 2026, it is incredibly disappointing to see the significant rise in cost, almost tripling in price from €7 (£6) - €20 (£17) before it has even been implemented. 

 

"For many travellers, especially university students, families, and budget-conscious tourists, this sharp increase adds an unnecessary burden and makes travel to Europe less accessible. A move like this undermines the spirit of open travel and feels more like a revenue grab than a justified policy change. 

 

“Advantage is working together with all our travel agent partners to ensure they are aware of the new processes and are able to help their customers.”