UK holidaymakers are being warned of potential delays as the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational from Friday, May 1. The new digital border control system has already been described as a 'nightmare' by some travellers.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration, aiming to improve border security and efficiency. British travellers heading to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece must now have their passports scanned and biometric data taken at border control on their first entry.
What data is collected and for how long?
Biometric data, including facial images for all travellers and fingerprints for visa-exempt travellers, will be captured. The system also records passport details, entry and exit dates and locations, and duration of stay. Data is stored for three years for standard entries and exits, or five years if an overstay occurs.
Are there exemptions?
Exemptions include EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, non-EU nationals with specific residence permits, and nationals of Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City. Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, so UK nationals travelling there will continue to have manual checks and stamps. Children under 12 will only have their facial image taken, not fingerprints.
How does EES work?
First-time travellers undergo biometric registration at border kiosks or e-gates, capturing facial images, fingerprints (if applicable), passport details, and entry/exit information. Subsequent visits are faster as data is already stored. No pre-registration is required; registration happens at the border. However, longer queues are expected initially due to biometric data collection, which may take several minutes per person. Travellers with tight schedules should plan alternative routes or transport to avoid missing flights or connections.
Adam Edinburgh, Head of Travel and New Products at Post Office, recommends a checklist: check passport expiry date (must be valid for at least three months after the trip for EU countries), know the entry airport's EES setup, and keep essential travel documents—passports, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of onward or return travel—easily accessible.
