Oct
From 12 October 2025, the EU began rolling out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a biometric border process that changes how UK and other non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area. If you’re planning a stay with House of Fisher and heading to Europe for business or leisure, this guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and which airports may be busiest during the transition.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
The EES replaces the traditional passport stamp with a digital record of when and where you enter or leave the EU. It also collects biometric data – a facial image and fingerprints – the first time you travel after the system goes live.
Once registered, your details will be stored for three years, meaning that future trips should be faster as you’ll only need a quick face scan to verify your identity. The new system is designed to tighten security and automate the 90-day rule that limits non-EU visitors to short stays in Schengen countries.
The rollout began in October 2025 and will continue into early 2026, gradually covering all major airports, ports, and rail terminals.
What Travellers Can Expect
For UK passport holders, the EES will apply when entering most EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It doesn’t affect travel to Ireland or Cyprus. Children under 12 won’t be fingerprinted but will still have their photograph taken.
On your first trip, you’ll be asked to scan your passport, have your photo and fingerprints taken, and confirm travel details. On future visits, your face scan will be matched with your existing record.
The process is straightforward, but it’s expected to take longer during the initial months, especially at busy airports where many flights from the UK arrive close together.
Where and When Delays Are Most Likely
Travel industry leaders have warned of potential queues, particularly at airports handling several UK arrivals in short time windows. Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, has advised travellers to allow three to four hours from arrival to exit while the system beds in.
For example, Palma de Mallorca in Spain receives seven UK flights within 30 minutes around midnight on Saturdays. Similar pressure points are expected at Faro in Portugal on Saturday mornings, and at Heraklion in Crete during weekend evening arrivals.
Large hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Milan Malpensa may also experience heavy demand during peak waves of long-haul flights from Asia and North America. In contrast, smaller or highly efficient airports such as Luxembourg are likely to see shorter queues.
The good news is that early morning arrivals often avoid congestion, making those the best times to fly when possible.
How to Prepare for EES
The key to a smooth journey is time and awareness. Arrive earlier than usual for your outbound and return journeys, especially if this is your first trip since the new system began.
If you can, choose flight times that land outside peak periods and consider sitting near the front of the plane so you can reach the kiosks quickly. Make sure your passport cover is removed before scanning, and prepare children for a quick photograph at the border.
For guests staying with House of Fisher before travelling onwards to Europe, we recommend allowing extra buffer time in your itinerary. This is particularly important if you have connecting travel or event commitments shortly after landing.
How EES Fits with Future Changes
The Entry/Exit System is the first stage of the EU’s new border security upgrades. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – similar to the US ESTA – is scheduled to follow in 2026. Once live, most UK travellers will need to apply online for authorisation before visiting the EU, but for now only EES applies.
A Few Final Tips
Be patient as the system settles in. The first few months will be a learning period for both travellers and border authorities. Check updates from your airline or operator before travelling, as facilities and queue management may differ between airports.
If you’re travelling for a holiday, aim for early flights where queues are typically shortest. For business trips, build in extra time for meetings or transfers in case of delays at passport control.
Above all, don’t worry – once your biometric details are captured, future trips should be far quicker and smoother.
Helpful Links
- Official EU information: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees
- UK Government advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
House of Fisher – here to help
Whether you’re visiting Reading, Bracknell, Newbury, Camberley, Farnborough, or Basingstoke, our serviced apartments make the perfect base before or after your European trip. Our team keeps an eye on travel developments and will be happy to share the latest guidance for smooth, stress-free travel.
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