NEW EU RULES FOR TRAVELLERS.

The way we travel to the European Union is poised to changed dramatically over the next 18 months. After years of delays, we finally have a firm start date for the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) - which will come into force on 12^th October. We also now have a better idea when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will come into force – the EU’s equivalent of the US Esta. This is scheduled to launch late in 2026. This will be a visa waiver scheme that will require you to register online and pay a fee before you travel. The EU says it will now launch in late 2026 but has provided no firm date.

EES

This will be free and will go live on Sunday 12th October, so it will affect those travelling during October half-term. The EU says it will be phased in progressively over a six-month period, meaning some travellers may not have their details taken if their entry point is not yet equipped for EES or if there are long queues.

However, the EU says that from 10th April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all external EU border crossings. In the interim, the EU wants at least 10% of border points to operate EES from 12th October, but it will not make biometrics mandatory, so if queues do form, travellers may be checked manually.

At borders that have biometric equipment, checks will be mandatory from December. The target is for half of all EU border points to operate EES from January 2026.

How will it work?

Passengers arriving in the EU will have their fingerprints and facial details registered, so queues are likely at border points. Data will be held on file for three years after the last trip, after which the process will have to be done again. Children under the age of 12 are not required to provide fingerprints, while a new passport will require a new EES registration.

Where will this take place?

This will happen at the point you arrive on EU territory, most likely your destination airport. However, passengers departing on ferries from Dover, on Eurostar trains from London St Pancras and or LeShuttle services from Folkestone will have their details taken there, as they are EU borders.

Which countries does it affect?

According to the European Commission, the system will apply when entering 25 EU countries, but not Cyprus and Ireland. And it will also apply for visits to Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein as these countries are part of the border-free Schengen area, so EES details must be provided.

Etias

Etias is the online visa waiver UK passport-holders will need to visit the EU and Schengen countries. It will be valid for three years or until the passport expires. Etias authorises a 90-day stay in the EU in any 180-day period. No start date has been given, but the EU now says Etias will begin “in the last quarter of 2026”. Travellers to the EU will need both EES and Etias authorisation. The cost is currently estimated at €20 (£17), but this could change as it was originally supposed to be costing €7 (£6). Those aged under 18 or over 70 won’t have to pay but will still need to apply for the Etias. The EU says most applications will be approved “within minutes” but says some cases “may take up to 30 days”. It recommends applying well in advance of travel. Applicants who require further scrutiny will be notified within 96 hours.

I hope you've found this useful. In the long run, it should mean a smoother arrival into EU countries without the need for passport-stamping. But be prepared for the inevitable teething problems.