Overview

• The Entry/Exit System creates a digital record for non‑EU short-stay visitors in place of manual passport stamping at Schengen borders.
• UK passport holders will be enrolled on first use with a facial photo and fingerprint capture at the border.
• During the transition, some airports and crossings may continue stamping passports while national authorities phase in EES through April 2026.
• Officials and operators warn travellers to allow extra time, with biometric registration estimated at one to two minutes per person and the potential for queues at busy hubs.
• For frequent professional drivers, the system will enforce the 90‑days‑in‑180 rule and reported penalties for overstays include fines or entry bans, the Road Haulage Association says.