New EU Entry-Exit System Introduced for Next Winter
22nd July 2025
Last modified on July 24th, 2025
The EU Entry-Exit System, EES, will start to be rolled out from October 12th & implemented over a six-month period. It coincides with the ski season with most UK skiers & snowboarders affected. UPDATED
The phased rollout of the new biometric border rules will last until April 9th 2026 before the scheme is fully operational at all EU borders from April 10th.
Until the end of the transition period member states will continue to manually stamp travel documents.
It will affect all UK skiers and snowboarders heading to the mountains in mainland Europe next season.
EES will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK as it has left the EU, each time they cross a border into or out of the EU.
Currently most UK citizens can only spend 90 days out of 180 in an EU or Schengen area country.
Prior to Brexit there was unlimited and free movement.
The new system will require all non-EU citizens to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics when crossing the border into the EU for the first time.
This data will be held on file for three years.
Children under the age of 12 will not have their fingerprints taken.
The aim of EES is to replace manual passport stamping and improve border security and efficiency.
The system has seen numerous delays and postponements:
- November start of EU Entry-Exit system in doubt
- Ski transfer company prepares for new EU Entry-Exit system
- UK skiers urged to prepare for new EU Entry-Exit system
Some airports have received delivery of the new equipment, but it has laid idle.
EES equipment. Image c/o PlanetSKI
“The confirmation of a 12 October start date for the phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) provides clarity for the travel industry and allows ABTA members to begin advising their customers on the changes,” said the Chief Executive of the Association of British Travel Agents, Mark Tanzer.
“In the run-up to EES phased implementation it is important there is a clear communication plan from both the EU and the UK Government.”
“This is so UK travellers know what’s expected of them and to build confidence in the new process.
“We also encourage EU member states to adopt the EES app, as soon as possible.
“The app will allow travellers to provide information in advance and cut down EES processing times at airports and ports.”
There remain concerns about delays it may cause to already over-crowded airports.
Geneva airport. Image © PlanetSKI
The EU has also confirmed that European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be introduced between October and December 2026.
The fee for this is expected to treble from €7 (£6) to €20 (£17).
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
