Overview

• Non‑EU travellers, including Britons, will have a facial photo and fingerprints taken on first entry or exit, creating a digital record valid for three years.
• Passport stamping will continue during the transition, with the EU targeting full EES operation by April 10, 2026.
• Kiosks are in place at St Pancras, Eurotunnel Folkestone and the Port of Dover, where French officials will conduct outbound checks and vehicle occupants must disembark to register.
• EasyJet and transport operators caution that wait times may increase as the system beds in, and children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
• New research cited by Co‑op Insurance reports about 29% of UK adults could be deterred from EU trips and 60% are unaware of the change, while travel experts advise dual British‑Irish nationals to use Irish passports.