EU issues major border update for UK travellers

• The European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES) is scheduled to begin for some UK travellers to the EU on 12 October 2025.
• The EES will digitise border crossings, requiring British passport holders to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics. Children under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting.
• The system will undergo a phased implementation until 9 April 2026, during which some border points will require biometrics while others remain analogue.
• Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is confirmed to commence operations in the last quarter of 2026.
• The fee for the Etias 'euro-visa' has been officially increased from €7 to €20, with exemptions for those under 18, over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens.

IN FULL

EU finally set start date for UK travellers’ entry-exit system as Etias visa price trebled