New EES system in the EU: what British travelers can expect from October 12.

New requirements for British travelers in the EU

According to The Sun: From October 12, 2025, tourists from the UK may face delays due to the new Entry-Exit System (EES) in EU countries.

This system will be operational this weekend, and travelers are concerned that they will have to wait a long time to go through control.

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Before applying for entry, travelers will need to register at a special kiosk and scan their passport. Fingerprints and photographs will also be taken, although this is not mandatory for children under 12.

On the kiosk screen, users will be able to answer four simple questions related to their journey, such as where they will be staying and confirming they have sufficient funds for their stay.

The EES check will take place upon arrival at airports in the Schengen area, although not at all of them. In Madrid, registration will only start with one morning flight on October 12, 2025.

The Düsseldorf airport in Germany is also implementing the EES system, but only a small portion of travelers will undergo the new process. In contrast, Estonia, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic have already announced their readiness to check all arrivals and departures from their airports.

Depending on the airport, British travelers will either undergo the EES check or continue to get a stamp in their passport. Although the EES system is ready in a few locations, its implementation will take place gradually over 180 days — until April 9, 2026.

As this is the first time the EES is being used for travelers, experts note that delays are possible.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I reckon there will be delays” while Tom Jenkins, chief executive of the European travel association Etoa told Travel Weekly it’s “a complete muddle”.

Tom Jenkins added: “If it all goes haywire, they can revert to inspecting passports. “I don’t think it will be catastrophic because of that, it will just be tiresome.”

However, port authorities in Dover assure that there will be no congestion on Sunday, as a controlled number of travelers is expected, according to the BBC.

A government representative stated: “We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure that the EES registration process is straightforward for all traveling to the Schengen area.”

During the first weeks, EES registration will only be required for truck drivers and bus passengers in Dover. Other travelers, including thousands of car passengers, will be subject to the new system from November 1, 2025.

The same applies to travelers through the Eurotunnel. At the Eurostar station in St Pancras, EES registration will take place upon departure under the supervision of French border authorities.

Only some Eurostar passengers are subject to EES checks PA

From October 12, only business class and first class passengers will undergo EES checks, while other passengers will start in January 2026.

Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris stated: “We are aware that EES checks will represent a significant change for British travelers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure a smooth transition.”

“Both the UK and the EU have a shared goal of protecting our borders, and these modernization measures will help us ensure the safety of our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

British travelers will also face a visa fee of £185 when visiting the USA under new rules.

Additional information about the EU Entry-Exit System...

From October 12, 2025, all travelers, including Brits, will be subject to a new registration upon entering Europe as part of the new EU digital border system.

The EES will require non-European citizens to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and providing fingerprints and a photograph.

Travelers will not need to take any action before their trip, as the process is free.

Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take a bit longer than previous checks.

In general, checks should take 1–2 minutes, but may lead to longer queues at the checkpoint upon arrival in the Schengen area.

In cases where registration is completed in the UK before departure, delays may occur during peak times.

This scheme is being implemented to digitalize border procedures across the Schengen area and to collect information in a unified database for more thorough monitoring of non-European citizens’ movements.

EES will also help identify suspected criminals and monitor travelers’ stays for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.

EES will be implemented in certain locations from October 12, 2025 Reuters The rollout of the EES system in the EU will have a significant impact on Brits traveling to Schengen countries. It is important to be prepared for changes and comply with new requirements. Delays may occur during the initial period, so planning travel with the new rules in mind can help avoid inconveniences. This measure aims to enhance security and monitor the movements of citizens, which is critically important in the modern world.