EES vs ETIAS: What UK Travellers Must Do for Europe

UK passport holders planning an autumn trip to Europe may encounter two separate systems: EES records eligible travellers at the border, while ETIAS will require eligible travellers to obtain authorisation before departure once it becomes operational. Check the European Union’s official pages before booking or travelling because rollout status, participating countries, exemptions, fees and launch information can change.

By GlobeBids Travel Desk | Updated 30 August 2026

EES happens at the European border

The Entry/Exit System is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in participating European countries. It replaces certain manual passport-stamping processes with an electronic record of a traveller’s entry, exit or refused entry.

Border officers or self-service equipment may collect information from the passport alongside biometric identifiers such as a facial image and fingerprints, where applicable. The precise procedure can depend on the traveller, the border crossing and whether an earlier EES record already exists.

Passengers should still carry a valid passport and expect the usual border checks. EES registration does not itself provide permission to enter.

ETIAS requires action before departure

ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation system for eligible visa-exempt visitors. When it becomes operational, affected travellers will need to submit an application before starting their journey rather than waiting until passport control.

An application may require passport details, personal and contact information, and answers to eligibility or security questions. Approval will not replace border checks or guarantee entry.

Do not assume ETIAS is accepting applications. The official EU ETIAS page provides its current implementation status, launch information, application guidance, fee details and exemptions.

Follow the checks in the right order

1. Confirm that every traveller’s passport will remain valid for the planned journey.
2. Check whether the destination participates in EES and whether an exemption applies.
3. Visit the official ETIAS page to see whether applications are operational and who must apply.
4. Complete any required pre-travel authorisation before departure.
5. Allow additional time for passport and biometric procedures at the external border.

UK passport holders with residence rights, special passport status or another possible exemption should check the official eligibility information rather than relying on general social-media advice.

Families should plan for unfamiliar border procedures

A first EES registration may take longer than a familiar passport check, especially when several relatives need individual processing. Keep each family member’s passport accessible, explain possible photographs or fingerprint collection to children in advance, and follow border officials’ instructions. Rules for collecting children’s biometric information should be checked on the official EES page.

Avoid unofficial ETIAS application charges

Search results and advertisements may lead to intermediary websites that resemble official services. Some may add avoidable service charges or request personal information before the official system opens.

Use the European Union’s EES information and official ETIAS guidance directly. Before paying, confirm that applications are open, the traveller is required to apply and the stated fee matches the EU page.

Source: European Union