From 12 October 2024, the European Union will introduce its new  Entry/Exit System (EES)  a major change to the way non-EU citizens (including UK passport holders) enter and exit the Schengen Area.

The new digital system is designed to replace the manual passport stamping process and will apply every time you cross an external Schengen border for a short stay.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System will electronically record:

• the name, travel document and biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) of the traveller

• the date and place of entry and exit

• any refusal of entry

The system will apply to all non-EU nationals who are visiting the EU or Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

How will this affect UK business travellers?

From 12 October:

• Your passport will be scanned and your biometric data captured the first time you enter a Schengen country after EES goes live.

• On subsequent trips, the system will simply verify your data at the border — reducing the need for manual checks or passport stamps.

• This could mean slightly longer processing times at the border during the initial roll-out, especially at busy airports and ports.

**Please note**: This is a separate process from ETIAS (the forthcoming EU travel authorisation), which is currently due to be introduced in 2026.

Why is the EU introducing this?

The EES is part of the EU’s wider border modernisation programme. Its main objectives are to:

• Improve security and monitor irregular migration
• Speed up border crossings in the long term
• Make it easier to enforce the 90/180-day rule

Tips for Travellers

To minimise disruption when the system goes live, we recommend:

• Allowing extra time for border clearance particularly during the early phase of implementation

• Following local signage and border officer instructions carefully

• Having your passport ready and removed from any cover when approaching the checkpoint

At Uniglobe Gemini Travel, we are monitoring the roll-out closely and will keep our clients updated as further information becomes available. If you have any concerns about upcoming trips in October or beyond, please speak to your account manager or contact our travel team for advice on

01784 254850 or email res@uniglobegemini.co.uk