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