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- Posted: 12/10/2025
EU Entry Exit System (EES) | A Family Guide 2026
Becca G
EU Entry Exit System (EES) | A Family Guide 2025
The New EU Entry Exit System (EES) – What is it?
From 12th October 2025 the EU starts using EU Entry Exit System which is a digital, biometric border system for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, going into the Schengen Area. For anyone not familiar, the Schengen Area covers most EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and allows free movement across their borders without passport checks at internal borders. Think of it like this, once you’re inside the Schengen Area, you can travel from one member country to another without going through passport control – just like travelling between counties in the UK.
The ESS is replacing the old system of stamping passports with photo and fingerprint scans and creates a digital record of when people enter and leave a country.
Rollout begins on the 12th October 2025 with the aim of full implementation by 10th April 2026.
The New EU Entry Exit System (EES) – What you need to know
Biometrics – Everyone travelling with a UK passport will need a photo and fingerprints taking on their first crossing into the Schengen Area under EES.
Children under 12 – Children under the age of 12 won’t be required to have fingerprints taken. They will need to have a photo taken and their travel recorded.
Digital Record – Your EES registration lasts 3 years or until the passport expires.
Time at Borders – Border crossings may take a little longer, especially the first time under EES. Some checks might happen before departure (for example at Dover, Eurostar, Eurotunnel) depending on where you’re travelling.
Which Countries – It applies in all Schengen states (plus non‑EU Schengen like Norway, Switzerland etc.), but not in Ireland or Cyprus.
Stay Limit – The famous 90‑days in any 180‑day period still applies. The EU Entry Exit System will keep track digitally, so there’s less chance of accidentally overstaying.
Tips for a Smooth EES Experience with Kids
- Check Passports are in date well in advance – for parents and children!
- Leave extra time at ports/airports for your first journey under the EU Entry Exit System.
- Explain the process to children ahead of time so that they are prepared for what to expect. Remember it’s just the photograph for under 12s, photo and fingerprints for 12 years and over.
- Have documents handy, whilst the main change is the biometrics you might still be asked for return travel details and information about where you plan to stay. Having them easy at hand will save time.
- Frequent travellers keep in mind the 90/180 day rule.
EU Entry Exit System Summary – It’s all about being prepared!
Overall, the changes are manageable – more a tweak to the process rather than a major upheaval. If you plan ahead, travel with patience, and allow a bit more time, holidaying in Europe should still be mostly stress‑free!
Written by: Becca G
Adopted Geordie and Mum of two helping people from North East find amazing travel deals that will make life an adventure, without breaking the bank.
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