If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport from 10th April 2026, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU, but during the phased implementation border points will also  stamp passports

EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.

UK Government

Here’s what you need to know. 

1. An automated IT system for (some) non-EU nationals

Every time non-EU nationals enter into the EU - on a short stay visa or for less than 90 days in a 180 day period - they will be required to register via the EES. 

That being said, exemptions may still apply. For example, any non-EU national who is immediately related to an EU national and also owns a residence card may forgo the new systems.

Learn more about EES exemptions

The automated system is expected to replace the stamping of passports at ports, therefore saving travellers and border officials time. Passengers travelling with fake identities and terror threats are also said to be detected more easily under the new system.

If entry is refused, this will then be recorded in the EES. 

2. Sharing your personal data

Countries using the EES will require the following information from travellers:

• Travel document information
• Place of entry and exit
• Date of entry and exit

Also required of travellers is “biometric data”. This includes both fingerprint scans and facial imaging.

3. Refusal to give personal data

Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay will be denied entry to EU countries using the EES if they do not provide the required information.

This could have huge consequences, especially for freight drivers, and could result in a loss of income for businesses.

4. How will the EES work?

The EES will be operated by the French authorities in the UK from the Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals, and from the Port of Dover. It will be fully operational from 10th April 2026.

As the logistics industry prepares for these new regulations, we will keep you updated with any changes that may be announced in the meantime.