I have now been through EU border control six times since EES launched, including trips to Malta in March 2026, Poland in April 2026, and Italy in May 2026. Here is what I found on the ground, in plain terms, and how I make sure your trip stays smooth from start to finish.
Official UK Government visual highlighting new EU border checks for all modes of travel
What is EES?
Biometric checks: scan, fingerprints and a quick photo
EES is the EU's digital border system for non-EU visitors, including British passport holders. It replaces manual passport stamping with a quick scan and biometric checks at the border. These checks are completed in person at border control. There's nothing to fill in online in advance. For official updates, see the UK Government foreign travel advice.
- I scan my passport.
- I have a photo taken.
- I give fingerprints at the border from age 12.
Who is affected, and who isn't
EES applies to UK passport holders visiting the Schengen Area. All children complete EES; fingerprints are only from age 12+. It does not apply to British citizens legally resident in an EU country with the correct residence documentation. Cruise passengers on round-trip itineraries from the UK who only take day excursions are typically exempt. For trips that fit your travel style, browse my adventure holidays.
When it applies
EES launched fully in April 2026 after a phased roll-out from October 2025. Most EU border points are now operational, though the experience varies between countries and sometimes between individual border points. Since the full launch, Greece, Portugal, and Italy have suspended or scaled back biometric checks at some of their border points. The situation continues to evolve, so I always advise checking the current position for your specific destination before you travel.
ABTA has a clear overview of the changes to European travel. Planning Europe? See my small group Europe trips for effortless, guided options.
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What to expect at the border
Flying to Europe? Allow a few extra minutes for checks
- A little extra time: first-time EES checks can add a few minutes, especially at busy periods.
- Kiosks and questions: some borders use kiosks to ask standard Schengen questions about purpose, length of stay, accommodation, funds and travel insurance.
- Accessibility: border teams are briefed to support travellers with additional needs. Tell me if you need assistance noted on your booking.
- On the way home: once you have cleared security and done any shopping, allow time to get through passport control before your gate. This queue catches people out, particularly at busier airports. Build in a little extra time after security and you will have nothing to worry about.
What I found in practice
I have been through EU border control six times since EES launched, and the honest answer is that it was not the ordeal some people feared. Across three trips, to Malta in March 2026, Poland in April 2026, and Italy in May 2026, the queues on arrival were short each time. On departure from Italy, there was no queue at all.
It is also worth knowing that the picture varies significantly by country. Greece, Portugal, and Italy have all suspended or scaled back biometric checks since the system fully launched in April 2026. Depending on where you are going, you may not encounter the full EES process at all. That said, rules can change at short notice, so I always confirm the current position for your specific route and dates before we finalise anything.
The overall picture is a reassuring one. Do not let EES put you off travelling to Europe this summer. Build in a little extra time at the airport, check the latest advice for your destination, and I will handle the rest.
Trains, ferries, self-drive and school groups
EES applies for ferry, Eurostar, Eurotunnel and self-drive
The same EES rules apply regardless of how you travel. At certain UK locations where French checks happen before departure (Dover, Folkestone, St Pancras), switching on may be later than airports. For school and youth groups, procedures are still being refined. I keep group leaders fully briefed on the latest steps and I'll share tailored advice for your exact route and date. If you prefer company on the road, my small group & escorted tours are a relaxed way to travel.
Cruise travellers: EES applies if you disembark and continue travel in Europe, but not usually for UK round-trip day excursions
Regular visitors, second passports and the 90/180-day rule
- Use the same passport for every Schengen trip so the system recognises you.
- Your time limit remains 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. I can help you track this for complex or frequent travel.
- If you renew your passport, you'll repeat quick checks to refresh your profile.
How I make it easy
- I confirm the current process for your exact route and dates.
- I build in smart flight times, connections and buffer time so travel stays effortless.
- I brief families, groups and travellers with additional needs so the process is smooth.
- For values-led trips, see how I plan low-stress, low-impact itineraries on my responsible travel page.
Curious how I work and why clients rebook with me? Visit Why book with me, and explore real feedback in my testimonials. Or head back to the homepage for the latest ideas.
Quick answers to common questions
Do I need to pay for EES?
No. EES is free and takes place at the border. If you see a request to pay now, it is not genuine. The paid EU system, ETIAS, is a separate online authorisation expected to launch later and is not required yet.
Does EES apply to children?
Yes. All children complete EES. Fingerprints are only taken from age 12. Parents or group leaders can help younger travellers with kiosk questions at the border. For tailored help, see my small group and escorted tours.
What's the difference between EES, ETIAS and the UK ETA?
EES is biometric checks at the EU border. ETIAS will be an online EU travel authorisation with a fee and multi-year validity, not live yet. The UK ETA is separate and applies to visitors entering the UK. I post updates on my blog.
Will EES cause delays?
Based on my own recent experience, queues have been short and the process reasonably quick. First-time checks may add a few minutes at some border points, but once your details are recorded, future trips are usually faster. I plan sensible buffer time and choose smart routes to keep travel smooth.
How do I track my 90/180 days?
There isn't an official app. I can calculate your rolling 90 days in 180 for multi-trip plans and advise on timings. Border officers can also confirm your allowance at entry or exit.
More Detail from the UK Government and ABTA
Country variations and the current picture ▼
EES launched fully in April 2026. The experience continues to vary between countries and between individual border points. Since launch, Greece, Portugal, and Italy have suspended or scaled back biometric checks at some border points. Some locations may still stamp passports while others complete the full EES process. French juxtaposed controls at Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras may operate differently from airport controls.
Kiosk questions you may see ▼
- Purpose of visit, length of stay and accommodation details.
- Whether you have travel insurance and sufficient funds.
- Return or onward travel plans.
These aren't new questions; they are simply asked more consistently via kiosk now. If you struggle with a kiosk, a border officer can help.
Residents, dual nationals and repeat travellers ▼
- UK citizens legally resident in an EU country with correct residence documents are exempt from EES checks.
- Use the same passport for every Schengen trip so the system recognises you.
- Once recorded, your biometrics typically remain valid for several years or until you renew your passport.
Groups, schools and accessibility ▼
Procedures for some group travel continue to evolve. Border teams are briefed to support travellers with additional needs. I brief group leaders and can add assistance notes to bookings where helpful.
For the latest official guidance, check the UK Government travel advice and ABTA's page on upcoming changes to European travel. You can also browse my articles for timely travel ideas and updates.
