Understanding the New EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What UK Skiers Need to Know

From 12th October 2025, the European Union began rolling out a new border management programme for non-EU travellers, the Entry/Exit System (EES). This major update is gradually being introduced and is expected to be fully operational by 10th April 2026.

For anyone heading to the Alps this winter, whether you’re skiing in France, Italy, Austria or Switzerland, here’s what the EES means for your next trip.

What Is the EU Entry/Exit System?

The EES replaces the traditional passport stamp with a digital border record. Each time you enter or leave the Schengen Area, your biometric data, such as your facial image and fingerprints, will be securely registered.

The goal is to make border crossings smoother, faster, and more accurate, while improving security and reducing passport fraud.

How the EES Process Works

On Your First Trip

When you first travel to a participating country after the EES goes live:

• You’ll be directed to an automated kiosk or speak with a border officer.
• Your passport will be scanned, and your biometrics (a photo and four fingerprints) will be taken.
• You might be asked a few quick questions about your stay.

On Future Visits

Once your details are in the system, border checks should be much faster.

You’ll simply scan your passport and verify your face or fingerprints, with no need to re-enrol.

EES and ETIAS: What’s the Difference?

The EES records your entries and exits, while the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will act like a pre-travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA). Both systems are separate but will work together for non-EU travellers, including UK citizens.

Rollout Timeline

The EES will be introduced in stages across Europe:

• October 2025: Launch at selected border points in each country.
• December 2025: Biometric checks (face and fingerprints) begin at active locations.
• January 2026: Around half of Europe’s borders are expected to use EES.
• March 2026: All Schengen borders operating EES with at least half of travellers processed through it.
• 10 April 2026: Full implementation across all participating countries.

Travelling to Europe from London St Pancras

If you’re heading to the Alps by Eurostar, EES checks will take place before boarding in London.

Because St Pancras has both UK and French border controls, your biometrics will be taken there, so you won’t need to repeat the process on arrival in France.

This also applies at Eurotunnel and some ferry terminals, where pre-departure French checks are already in place.

Why the EU Introduced the EES

The new system is designed to:

• Modernise border management.
• Speed up passport control.
• Prevent overstays beyond the 90/180-day travel rule.
• Combat identity and document fraud.
• Enhance security against serious crime and terrorism.

Who Will Need to Register?

The EES applies to all non-EU nationals, including UK travellers, visiting for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).

It covers both visa-free and visa-required travellers.

Exemptions include:

• EU citizens and residents.
• Holders of EU residence cards or long-stay visas.
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City.

Which Countries Are Included?

Once fully launched, the EES will cover 29 European countries, including all Schengen nations and a few non-EU members:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.

What Data Will Be Stored?

The EES will record:

• Information from your passport (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.).
• The time, date, and place of entry and exit.
• Your biometric data (facial scan and fingerprints).
• Details of any refusals of entry.

All data will be stored securely for three years.

EES for Families and Children

Children are included in the EES system. Those under 12 years old will not need to provide fingerprints, but will still have their facial image taken during the process.

Do You Need a Biometric Passport?

Both biometric and non-biometric passports will be accepted. However, only travellers with biometric passports can use the automated e-gates, which are generally the fastest option at airports and major train stations.

What Happens If You Decline to Provide Biometrics?

Refusing to register your biometric data will result in being denied entry to EES-participating countries. The process is mandatory for all eligible travellers.

Will the 90/180-Day Rule Change?

No, the 90 days in any 180-day period rule remains the same.

However, the EES will automatically track your stays and calculate your remaining days within the limit. A traveller web tool will also be available to check how many days you have left in the Schengen Area.

In Summary

If you’re planning a ski holiday to France, Italy, or Austria this winter, expect slightly longer border checks the first time you travel under the new EES. Once your details are recorded, future trips should be much quicker, making it easier than ever to hit the slopes across Europe.