What is the EU Entry/Exit System?
The EU Entry/Exit System is a new digital border management system that applies to all UK travellers visiting countries in the Schengen Area for a short stay. It replaces the old manual passport stamp with a digital record, collecting your fingerprints and a photo each time you cross the Schengen border. EES applies across all 29 Schengen Area countries, including popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. It does not apply if you are travelling to Ireland or Cyprus, which are outside the Schengen Area. You can find more information about EES here.
Do I need to do anything before I travel?
No, there is nothing to prepare or apply for before you leave home, and there is no cost. Your EES registration happens at the border on your first visit to the Schengen Area. You’ll submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. Your digital record is then valid for three years, so on future trips you’ll only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border rather than go through full registration again.
Travelling via Eurostar, Eurotunnel or Dover? EES checks for these routes are completed before you leave the UK, at London St Pancras International, Folkestone or Dover’s Western Docks, rather than on arrival at your destination.
Will EES cause delays at European airports and borders?
The short answer is yes, potentially, especially during busy periods. The UK government advises travellers to be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border, as EES checks may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete. During peak summer travel this could add up, particularly for first-time registrations.
For most people this simply means arriving at the airport a little earlier than you might have before. But if you have a connecting flight or a tight onward journey, the extra time at border control could become a real problem.
What if EES delays cause me to miss my flight?
This is where the right travel insurance really earns its place. If border delays mean you miss your departure, or you’re faced with a significant wait at the other end, a good policy can cover the costs that follow. Depending on your cover, that could include missed departure protection, alternative travel arrangements, additional accommodation, or compensation for extended delays.
With EES now in full operation and queues expected to build over the summer, the risk of travel disruption is meaningfully higher than in previous years. It’s no reason to put off your trip, but it is a very good reason to make sure you’re covered before you go.
What travel insurance do I need for Europe in 2026?
Look for a policy that includes travel delay cover, missed departure protection, and cancellation cover. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it’s essential that these are declared and included in your policy, not only to protect you if you need medical treatment abroad, but also to cover cancellation if your health changes before you travel.
At Freedom Travel Insurance, we specialise in cover for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, so you can head off knowing you’re properly protected, whatever your health history.
Safe travels,
Rosie at Freedom
