Major new rule changes for Brits heading to the EU come into force today

Attention travellers!

Today marks the end of the rollout of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) which began in October 2025.

This means that the new system will be fully implemented which could lead to potential queues for British travellers with an array of new rule changes.

The system is designed to track non-EU travellers across Europe which the UK is subject to, of course, since Brexit.

The system has been phased in slowly since October, but now a blanket requirement will be thrown over all travellers.

First visit entries into the Schengen Area requires visitors to register passport information and biometrics, including a facial scan and fingerprints, at kiosks at airports, stations and ports.

This data is stored for three years, or until a passport expires.

While this data is stored, travellers will have to verify their information upon subsequent visits.

The system is operational in the Schengen Area across 29 countries which includes Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

The changes from today:

From now on, passport stamps will no longer be required and will be replaced with a digital record of entries and exits.

All travellers will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) upon first entry. People will be refused entry if they do not provide this information.

The data will be registered for three years, and will have to be verified on each subsequent trip, but this will be faster.

Children under 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints, but will have to have their faces scanned.

Time spent in the Schengen Area will also be automatically tracked under the 90/180 day rule.

People travelling on ferries from Dover and on the Eurostar will have to pass through the EES before departing.

The system does not require pre-application and is free to use.

The EES comes as a precursor to ETIAS, a system that will require travellers from outside the EU, not requiring a VISA, to pay €20 (£17) for short stays, but will be valid for three years.

This will come into force from the end of 2026.