No action required for CI travellers as new EES launches

Thursday, 9 October 2025 06:00

We're being assured we don't have take any action before we travel to EU countries, despite a new Entry/Exit System (EES) taking effect from this Sunday (12 October)

It will automate border checks, replacing stamps in passports.

British passport holders visiting the Schengen area will need to register their fingerprints and have their photo taken on arrival.

The system is being phased in gradually over the next six months in 29 countries including France, Poland, Spain and Portugal.

It has been designed to help the authorities monitor overstays and reduce illegal migration.

It goes live at some ports and airports this coming weekend.

Authorities here say travellers on a British passport (including CI variants) do not need to take any action before they depart, and there is no cost for EES registration.

Countries in the Schengen Area Include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

Ireland and Cyprus are not includes, and EES does not apply there.

EES does not apply to nationals of EU countries that participate in the border system, holders of residence cards, residence permits, or long-stay visas.