IF you’re travelling within the EU next year, there’s some new systems you’ll need to be aware of before you set off.
With the new EES and ETIAS travel systems rolling out, you may be left asking yourself – what exactly are these new rules?
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to be prepared ahead of your holidays next year – including when these new rules come into place.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
What is the EES?
October 2025 saw the launch of the EU Entry/Exit System, or EES.
The EES is a new digital border system.
Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (including Brits) will need to track when they enter and exit EU countries.
Read more on new travel rules
The system will have travellers scan their fingerprints and have their photo taken at the border of their European destination.
When you first travel to a participating country, you will have to register at a kiosk.
Here you will scan your passport, fingerprints and take a photo. This is expected to only take 2-3 minutes per person.
You will also be asked four simple questions about your travels, such as why you are visiting and where you will be staying.
Your data will then be stored in the Biometric Matching Service for three years – and your future travels within this period will only require a scan of your face or fingerprint.
Who has to use the EES?
You will have to undergo the new system if you are a non-EU national who is travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES.
“Non-EU national” applies to any traveller who is not a national of any European Union country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. This also means all British tourists.
A “short stay” is considered as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
There are some exceptions, including children under 12 who will not have to give fingerprints.
Find the full list of exemptions on the GOV.UK website.
Why has the EES been introduced?
The EES has been designed to make border checks faster and more modern.
The system is thought to be quicker due to it’s digital system, self-service options and the ability to register information in advance.
The system is designed to be a quick check that allows travellers to spend less time at the border.
It will also keep track of who comes in and out of what is known as the Schengen Area – a zone in Europe which allows for passport-free travel under a common visa policy.
The EES has been designed to ultimately replace the system of manually stamping passports at the border for EU visitors.
Where has the EES been introduced?
The EES is continuing to roll out across airports, Eurostar, Eurotunnel and ferries serving participating countries.
All EU member states within the Schengen Area – plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – will participate in the new system.
By January 2026, half of border points are due to be operating EES.
By April 10, 2026, it is expected to be fully operational – with every participating border crossing using the system.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a new system that will authorise visitors to enter countries within the Schengen Area and other participating countries.
It is a requirement for nationals who are visa-exempt, including Brits.
ETIAS authorisation is essentially a visa waiver that will be linked to your passport and is similar to the ESTA needed to visit the US.
It is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires.
You apply for ETIAS authorisation by visiting the official ETIAS website, and following the instructions on its portal.
The application is designed to be fast and easy, and should only take a couple of minutes – but may take up to 30 days so holidaymakers are advised to leave enough time.
The ETIAS will cost €20 (£17) and is valid for three years.
Travellers under 18 or over 70 do not have to pay the fee, although still have to apply for one.
Who has to use ETIAS?
You will need ETIAS authorisation if you are travelling to a destination in the Schengen Area or a participating country, and are a national from a visa-exempt country.
UK citizens will require ETIAS authorisation.
When will ETIAS begin?
ETIAS is scheduled to begin in late 2026.
The specific launch date will be announced by the EU closer to the time.
Why has ETIAS been introduced?
ETIAS has been introduced to improve security in EU travel.
It will track irregular or potentially criminal activity. In this way, it is similar to the US ESTA.
As well as improving safety, ETIAS is designed to speed up border checks, compared to manually checking passports.
What is the difference between the EES and ETIAS?
The EES is the fingerprint and face-scanning system that will take place at kiosks at participating country borders.
The ETIAS is the visa-waiver needed to enter participating countries, which must be applied for online ahead of time.
What are the participating countries?
The participating countries for the EES are:
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.
For the EES, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are excluded as they are not a part of Schengen.
These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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.