The European Union is introducing the EES as part of a broader modernization of its external border controls. The move is designed to enhance security, better monitor short-term stays, and streamline entry for non-EU nationals—including millions of UK tourists.
Biometric Checks to Replace Passport Stamps
Once the EES takes effect, UK travellers entering Schengen countries such as Portugal, France, or Italy will be required to undergo biometric registration. This includes having four fingerprints scanned and a facial image captured upon arrival.
Rather than having passports stamped by hand, each visitor’s arrival and departure will be logged digitally through a secure central database. This digital record will help border officials determine how long a person has stayed and whether they’ve respected the 90-day limit permitted for short-term visits within the Schengen Zone.
The UK is no longer part of the EU or the Schengen Area, so its citizens are now treated as third-country nationals. As a result, the EES applies fully to all UK passport holders.
One-Time Registration Valid for Multiple Visits
Travellers will only need to complete the full biometric registration process once every three years. After their first EES check-in, subsequent trips will require only verification against the stored data.
This is expected to make future crossings smoother—particularly for frequent travellers, business professionals, and second-home owners. However, during the system’s initial rollout in late 2025 and early 2026, longer wait times at airports and ferry terminals are expected, especially at high-traffic destinations like Lisbon, Faro, or Porto.
No Pre-Travel Submission Required
Unlike some travel authorization programs, the EES will not require UK visitors to submit biometric data in advance or register online before departure. All data collection will occur on arrival at a Schengen border point, using automated kiosks or with the assistance of immigration officers.
While this makes preparation easier, it also means that travellers should be prepared for longer queues, especially in the early months of implementation as systems and personnel adjust.
The EES: What’s the Purpose?
The Entry/Exit System is part of the EU’s broader effort to digitize and secure its borders. Key goals of the system include:
• Preventing people from overstaying the legal 90-day limit
• Identifying those who may pose security risks
• Enhancing the accuracy of border records
• Speeding up re-entry for repeat visitors
It also helps harmonize entry procedures across the Schengen Area, replacing manual procedures with uniform digital tracking.
Importantly, the system is not designed to limit the number of visits travellers can make—it’s intended to ensure that stays remain within the allowed timeframe.
Where the EES Applies
The system will be rolled out in 29 European countries—all members of the Schengen Area, which includes most EU nations as well as non-EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
However, a few EU member states are not participating:
• Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, so travellers to these countries will still have their passports stamped manually.
For most popular EU holiday destinations—including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Germany—the EES will be fully enforced at air, land, and sea borders.
What Is a “Short Stay” Under the EES?
For EES purposes, a short stay is defined as up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This means travellers can spend up to three months in the Schengen Area within a six-month window—but must then leave for at least 90 days before returning.
Previously, it was difficult for border authorities to monitor exactly how long someone had been in the area, especially if their passport lacked a clear series of stamps. The new digital system will automatically calculate the number of days remaining.
Overstaying could result in fines, entry bans, or refusal of entry on a future trip—so accurate record-keeping is crucial.
Travel Impact: What British Tourists Should Expect
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal or any other Schengen country after October 2025, here’s how your travel experience may be affected:
• Longer border processing times—especially on your first trip under the new system
• Automated kiosks at airports and ports to scan fingerprints and facial data
• Extra travel time recommended, particularly at major travel hubs
• No changes to visa-free status for short trips, but better enforcement of the 90-day rule
British travellers are not required to apply for a visa or any separate permit just yet. However, this will change once the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) comes into force, likely in 2026.
What’s the Difference Between EES and ETIAS?
While both are part of the EU’s push for smarter border control, the two systems serve different purposes:
• EES is a digital border entry/exit log using biometric data
• ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation system similar to the US ESTA, where travellers apply online before visiting
Once ETIAS is launched, UK travellers will need both a valid ETIAS and to register under the EES. For now, only the EES is confirmed for October 2025.
How to Prepare for the EES
Though there’s nothing travellers need to do before the system launches, a few simple steps can help ensure a smooth journey:
1. Double-check passport validity—it should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area
2. Arrive at the airport early, especially if flying during holiday periods
3. Watch for updates from airlines and the UK Foreign Office about implementation timelines
4. Understand your travel limits under the 90/180-day rule
5. Be patient—transitions like this often come with growing pains
Looking Ahead
As Europe steps into a new era of travel management, UK holidaymakers will need to adapt to smarter, more secure borders. The new Entry/Exit System is not meant to discourage travel, but to ensure fairness, transparency, and safety for all visitors.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel alert as Portugal joins twenty other European countries in introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025, requiring UK tourists to register fingerprints and facial scans upon arrival. This new biometric system aims to enhance security and streamline border control processes, but may lead to longer wait times for travellers.
Whether you’re off to explore Lisbon’s vibrant streets, relax on the Algarve’s golden beaches, or enjoy a weekend in Paris, knowing what to expect at the border will make your journey smoother and stress-free.