We want to keep you up to date with an important change that may affect your future travel plans to Europe. From the 12th of October this year, the European Union will introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at its external borders.
Rest assured that we are here to guide you through these changes and make your travel experience as smooth as possible when you book a holiday with us.
Below is a short guide to what it’s all about and what to expect.
At Long Travel, we specialise in creating tailor-made holidays, handpicking boutique hotels, villas, and unique hideaways that reflect the true spirit of Italy and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic city break, a countryside retreat, or a cultural journey, we’ll design a holiday that’s crafted just for you.
🌍 What is EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT system being introduced to replace the manual passport stamping process for travellers from outside the EU/Schengen Area (including UK passport holders).
Every time you cross an EU external border, your entry and exit will be recorded electronically. The system will store information such as:
- Name, nationality, and passport details
- Date and place of entry/exit
- A facial image and four fingerprints
This will apply to all non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
🛫 Why is EES being introduced?
The new system is designed to:
- Strengthen border security by keeping accurate records of who enters and leaves the EU
- Make travel smoother by eventually speeding up border checks with automated gates
- Ensure fairness by automatically calculating how many days you’ve spent in the EU, helping travellers avoid overstaying their visa-free allowance
👩💻 What does this mean for you?
When the system goes live, here’s what you can expect at EU border crossings:
You will need to register your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) the first time you enter the EU after the system launches. This will be done at the border.
- Border checks may take a little longer at first as travellers get used to the new process.
- Once registered, future crossings should be quicker as your details will already be in the system.
- Your passport will no longer be stamped, as your entry and exit will be logged digitally.
- As EES is being implemented through a phased rollout, this experience may vary during the first six months. Travellers do not need to take any action prior to arriving at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
✈️ Our Advice
You don’t need to prepare anything in advance; this will all take place at the border.
- Allow extra time at airports, ferry ports, or land crossings, particularly in the first few weeks after the system launches.
- Have your passport ready and follow the guidance from border staff.
- Remember that the 90/180-day rule for EU stays still applies – but now it will be tracked automatically.
- You can find out more here
