European Entry/Exit System

For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation expected from 10 April 2026.

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. For customers arriving by air this will be done once you arrive in country. For customers travelling to the EU via Eurostar this will be done before departing the UK. If registering for the first time when departing a EU Schengen country full details will be taken upon departing the EU.

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your full details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk.

At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed, this also applies to transit through a EU country. Our local agents are aware of this and will take this into consideration in regards to any transfers provided on the tour.

Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system