If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, you may notice a few changes to your airport routine. A new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced across a large group of European countries that share a common border system. It will affect how you pass through border control whether you’re flying, taking the train, or driving. It replaces the familiar passport stamp with something more high-tech and, at least at first, potentially more time consuming.
Where this applies, and why it matters
The EES doesn’t apply to every country in Europe. It applies to a group of countries that operate as a single border zone.
In simple terms, these countries have agreed to remove passport checks between each other. Once you enter this shared area, you can travel between those countries without going through border control again.
For example, if you fly into France and then travel on to Spain or Italy, you won’t usually show your passport again between those countries. You’re only checked when you enter or leave the overall zone.
This group includes most popular holiday destinations such as:
- France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Germany
- The Netherlands, Portugal, Austria and Belgium
- As well as non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland
It does not include Ireland, so travel between the UK and Ireland is unaffected.
For you as a UK traveller, this setup has a few important consequences:
- You’re checked when you enter or leave the whole zone, not each country
- You can only stay for 90 days in any 180 day period across all of these countries combined
- And now, under EES, that time is tracked automatically
What’s changing when you travel
Your passport is no longer the main record of your travel, your data is.
Under the EES, border officials will:
- Scan your passport
- Take your fingerprints (for passengers over 12 years)
- Capture a facial image
That information is stored digitally and linked to you, creating a record of when you enter and leave this shared European travel area.
In practical terms:
- Your travel history is tracked electronically, not with traditional passport stamps
- Your time in Europe is monitored automatically
- Overstays are flagged by the system, not left to manual checks
What you’ll experience at the airport
On your first trip under EES, you should expect things to feel slower.
Instead of simply handing over your passport, you’ll likely:
- Use a self-service kiosk or go to a staffed checkpoint
- Provide fingerprints and a facial scan
- Have your details checked by a border officer
Once you’ve registered, future trips should be quicker. You’ll usually just confirm your identity, often via facial recognition.
But right now, the rollout is uneven. Not every airport is fully equipped, and many passengers will be using the system for the first time, resulting in longer queues.
Why delays are likely
Although the system is designed to speed things up eventually, the transition period is slower.
The main reasons are:
- First time registrations take longer than a passport stamp
- New technology and processes are still bedding in
- Passengers are unfamiliar with what to do
- Busy travel periods put extra pressure on the system
Even small issues, like a fingerprint not scanning properly can create knock on delays, so for now, it’s safest to assume border control will take longer than it used to.
What you can do to keep things moving
You can’t opt out of EES, but you can make the process smoother. A few small steps make a noticeable difference:
- Arrive earlier than usual, especially for your first trip with the new system
- Have your passport ready and open before you reach the checkpoint
- Follow instructions exactly during biometric checks to avoid repeats
It’s also worth checking your passport in advance, because it’s being scanned and logged digitally, any damage or validity issues are more likely to cause delays. And while the system tracks your stay automatically, you should still keep an eye on your own travel days to avoid overstaying.
If you have access needs or a disability
If you have a disability or access needs, the move to biometric checks and self-service kiosks may feel like an extra hurdle. But support is available should you need it.
Before you travel, it’s worth contacting your airline, train operator or ferry provider to let them know what you need. This allows assistance to be arranged in advance, which can make the whole process much smoother.
At the airport or port, you can ask staff for help at any stage. That might include:
- Guidance through the border process
- Help using kiosks
- Being directed to an alternative, staffed checkpoint
You don’t have to use a self-service machine if it isn’t suitable. A border officer can complete the process manually.
Using a disability or hidden disability lanyard
You may also find it helpful to use a disability or access lanyard, such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, which is recognised at many UK airports and increasingly across Europe.
Wearing one discreetly signals to staff that you may need:
- More time
- Clearer instructions
- Additional support during processes like biometric checks
You won’t usually be asked to prove your condition, and you don’t have to explain your needs in detail unless you want to.
How to get a lanyard
You can get a sunflower lanyard in a few ways:
- Request one from your departure airport (many offer them for free – often you can apply online in advance or collect one on the day)
- Order one online from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme
- In some cases, pick one up at airport assistance or information desks
Availability and processes vary slightly by airport, so it’s worth checking their website before you travel.
Biometric systems don’t work perfectly for everyone. It’s common for:
- Fingerprint scanners to struggle with some medical conditions
- Facial recognition to be affected by assistive equipment or coverings
If something doesn’t scan properly, it won’t stop you travelling, it just means the check will be done another way.
Giving yourself extra time is especially important. It allows for support, avoids rushing, and makes the experience far less stressful, particularly during the early stages of the 2026 rollout.
What if things go wrong?
If your journey is seriously disrupted, it’s worth knowing your rights.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances. You can check what you’re owed and start a claim using Resolver’s free flight compensation tool.
If you run into problems with an airline, airport, or travel provider, whether that’s poor assistance, lack of support, or mishandling of delays, you can raise and manage your complaint through Resolver.
Will it settle down?
Once your biometrics are registered and systems are fully in place, border crossings should become quicker and more routine. The long-term aim is a more automated, streamlined process.
But for now, you’re travelling during a period of adjustment. The EES is one of the biggest changes to European travel in years.
For you, that means:
- More detailed checks at the border
- Biometric data collection
- Longer queues in the short term
But also:
- A more consistent system
- Automated tracking of your stay
- Faster processing in the future
It’s a new system, and like any change, it may feel unfamiliar at first. But with a bit of preparation and extra time, it shouldn’t get in the way of your trip. If you need support, ask for it as help is available. Focus on the journey ahead and enjoy your time away.
If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch at support@resolver.co.uk.