Advantage Travel Partnership releases a comprehensive guide to the new EU Entry / Exit system

Ahead of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) coming into effect on Sunday 12 October 2025 and rolling out progressively thereafter for six months, Advantage Travel Partnership is rolling out a comprehensive education programme around EES across its network of travel businesses.

The new campaign will provide necessary clarity on the new system after recent research indicated that 60% (two-thirds) of travellers are unaware of the upcoming changes[1].

How is Advantage Travel Partnership supporting travel agents?

Advantage Travel Partnership is hosting a webinar for its members on Wednesday 01 October which will have members of the government’s Cabinet Office attending to share insights into the upcoming changes, offering agents everything they need to know to confidently inform their customers about the EES.

They have also created a selection of assets detailing EES which members can use to showcase their expertise and reinforce the importance of agents during these times of change. Members can utilise Advantage’s intranet page to download these assets, access pre-written captions, government social assets and a government FAQ. Advantage is also using its own social media channels to highlight the change in procedures and what travellers should be aware of. Overall, Advantage is ensuring that their agents are well-equipped to keep their customers updated of the changes.

What is the new Entry / Exit System?

EES will offer a digital border for non-EU nationals, including British citizens, which in time will replace the manual stamping of passports by requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and a facial image at automated kiosks upon entry.

The EES will be implemented across all EU member states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, as well as the non-EU Schengen Area countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The system aims to enhance border security and identify travellers who overstay the permitted 90-day period within 180 days in the Schengen Area.

When does this come into effect?

The EES will be progressively deployed across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a six-month period, starting on 12 October 2025 and becoming fully operational by 10 April 2026. Estonia is reported to be the first country to be ready on air, sea, rail and road. French authorities will also conduct EES border checks at the UK's Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel.

How will this affect cruise?

For cruise travellers, sailings commencing and concluding outside the Schengen Area (e.g. at a UK port) will generally be exempt from EES checks, including for day trips into the Schengen Area as part of their itinerary. Travellers disembarking a cruise within the Schengen Area and continuing their journey by other means will be required to complete EES checks upon leaving the ship. Travellers boarding a cruise within the Schengen Area will need to complete EES checks at their initial port of entry.

What possible problems could travellers encounter?

Concerns regarding potential waiting times have been expressed and government agencies and tourism industry representatives anticipate significant queues for ferry traffic from Dover to Calais. The UK government is engaging with local operators and French authorities to minimise border flow impact and traffic congestion upon EES implementation.

It is expected that the new system will be a small addition to the process of travel and have minimal impact on the incredibly strong demand being seen for travel this year from consumers. While this might initially cause delays, the collected data will be valid for three years, aiming to speed up processing times with automated checks and self-service systems in the future, removing the need for passport stamping.

Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership said: "While concerns about travel delays are understandable, we don't expect biometric capture to cause significant disruption. The process is required only once per three-year period on first entry. By April 2026, automated border controls and self-service systems will be fully deployed across all checkpoints, speeding up processing times considerably. In the meantime, some delays may occur during peak times, but since entry points are going live gradually, most travellers should see minimal changes initially. The new EU rules make travel agents even more valuable as they can provide all the relevant information, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the changes.”

Further significant changes for travel to the European Union are set to be implemented in the last quarter of 2026 with the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This will require a paid-for travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries.

[1] Research from Co-op Insurance, September 2025