# EES and ETIAS: what UK groups travelling to Europe need to know

Source: https://www.roamlytravel.com/guides/ees-etias-uk-groups  
Publisher: Roamly Travel  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-30  
Audience: Schools, Universities, Sports teams, Production crews, Event organisers, Corporate groups

## Short answer

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 and the European Commission says it has been fully operational at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026, so UK passport holders now register their passport details, a facial image and, from age 12, fingerprints on their first crossing. ETIAS, the separate travel authorisation that will cost €20, is not yet in operation and, as of 30 October 2026, no official start date has been announced. Groups should plan for longer first-time border checks now and watch the official EU site for the ETIAS launch date.

## Key takeaways

- EES replaces passport stamping with a digital record of each non-EU traveller's entries and exits, including a facial image and fingerprints.
- Children under 12 are not fingerprinted under EES, but all travellers, including babies, can be photographed and have a record created.
- At Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone and Eurostar St Pancras, EES checks happen in the UK before departure, and rollout there has been uneven, so allow extra time.
- ETIAS is not yet operating and no applications are being accepted. Any website selling ETIAS today is not official.
- When ETIAS starts it will cost €20, last up to 3 years or until the passport expires, and be required for every traveller, with under-18s and over-70s exempt from the fee.
- There will be a transitional period of at least six months and then a grace period of at least six months after ETIAS launches.

## What is the EES and is it in force now?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU's digital border record for non-EU nationals on short stays, which includes British citizens. It replaces manual passport stamping. Each time a traveller enters or leaves the Schengen area, the system records the date and place, and it uses that record to track the 90 days in any 180-day limit automatically.

*EES timeline (as of 30 October 2026)*

| Date | What happened |
| --- | --- |
| 12 October 2025 | EES started, with a phased rollout across Schengen border crossing points. |
| 10 April 2026 | The European Commission states EES has been fully operational across Schengen countries since this date. |
| April to September 2026 | Member states could partly suspend biometric registration during severe congestion for a limited period. This flexibility ended on 6 September 2026. |
| October 2026 | Travel industry bodies, including ABTA and IATA, have asked for the flexibility to return into 2027. No extension had been confirmed at the time of review. |

EES applies at the external borders of the 29 Schengen countries. It does not apply when you travel to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus, which are not in the Schengen area. Registration is free. Any website asking for payment to register for EES is not official.

> **Rollout is not uniform**
> Although EES is formally fully operational, how it works on the ground has varied by border point. In October 2026, ABTA described the rollout as inconsistent, with travellers sometimes sent through e-gates and sometimes to manual passport control. Expect differences between airports and ports, and check the [UK government EES page](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system) before each trip.

## What happens at the border under EES?

On a traveller's first crossing under EES, border staff or a self-service kiosk create a digital record. You do not need to submit anything before travelling.

- **Data collected:** passport details, a facial image, fingerprints (from age 12), and the date and place of each entry and exit.
- **Where:** usually on arrival at the first Schengen border, or before departure at the UK juxtaposed controls described below. Travellers may also be asked for a fingerprint or photo when leaving.
- **Record validity:** the EES record lasts 3 years. Within that period, later crossings only need a quick check of one biometric, either fingerprint or face.
- **New passport, new record:** the Port of Dover advises that a new passport means creating a full new EES record. Anyone who has renewed since their last trip goes through full registration again.
- **Exemptions:** some travellers are exempt, for example those holding certain EU residence documents. Exempt travellers should not register and should show their document to the border guard. The full list is on the EU's Travel to Europe website.

The EU also offers a **Travel to Europe** mobile app that lets travellers with biometric passports pre-register passport details and a facial image up to 72 hours before crossing. It is voluntary, it does not replace the border check, and it only works at borders where the country has enabled it. Do not build a group plan around it unless the operator at your crossing point confirms it is in use.

## How does EES work at Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar?

At the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone and Eurostar at St Pancras, French border checks take place in the UK before departure. That means EES registration happens before your group leaves the UK, not on arrival in France. Air passengers and ferry passengers using other routes are registered on arrival in the destination country.

*EES arrangements at the UK juxtaposed controls*

| Crossing | Arrangement | What groups should know |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Port of Dover | A purpose-built processing area at the Western Docks. | Coach passengers have been processed through EES-compliant checks. Reports in summer 2026 said biometric checks for car passengers were not yet fully running. |
| Eurotunnel (Folkestone) | A pre-registration area with self-service kiosks for non-EU and UK passengers. | Coach and freight traffic were the first to go through EES-compliant checks. Follow LeShuttle's current check-in advice. |
| Eurostar (St Pancras) | Self-service pre-registration kiosks in three areas of the station, before the ticket gates. | Groups pass through kiosks before French border control. Follow Eurostar's arrival time for your booking. |

The UK government provided £3.5 million each to Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover for kiosks and infrastructure. In July 2026, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel said full checks for tourist traffic would not be rolled out until after the summer peak. If you are travelling by coach or rail, ask your coach operator or Eurostar group contact what process is running on your travel date.

## What does EES mean for children and school groups?

Children under 12 are not fingerprinted under EES. The UK government's France travel advice says children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. The EU's own guidance says under-12 fingerprints are not currently scanned, so treat that wording as subject to change.

- **Everyone gets a record.** All travellers, including babies, can be photographed and have an EES record created.
- **Mixed-age groups.** A secondary school group will usually include some pupils under 12 and many over 12. Plan for fingerprinting for most pupils on the first crossing.
- **Pupils with non-UK passports.** EES applies to all non-EU nationals on short stays. EU national pupils are not registered. Pupils who need a Schengen visa are registered with their visa details.
- **Prepare pupils.** Explain the kiosk or booth process before the trip. Younger pupils may need help positioning for a photo or fingerprint scan, and staff should be ready to assist.
- **Keep passports in order.** Hand out passports in the order pupils will queue so staff can match each pupil to their document quickly.

## How should coach and school groups plan border timings?

First-time EES registration takes longer than a traditional passport stamp, and every traveller in a group crosses for the first time at least once. The exact time per person depends on the crossing, kiosk availability and staffing on the day, so build slack into the plan rather than relying on a fixed figure.

1. **Use your operator's check-in window.** Coach operators, ferry companies, LeShuttle and Eurostar set arrival times for groups. The Port of Dover has advised arriving no more than 2 hours before departure, because arriving too early adds to congestion.
2. **Add slack to onward plans.** Avoid tight connections between the crossing and timed activities, such as museum entry slots or match kick-offs, on the outbound day.
3. **Expect checks on exit too.** Travellers may be asked for a fingerprint or photo when leaving the Schengen area, which affects return journey timings.
4. **Plan for peaks.** School holidays and bank holiday weekends bring the heaviest traffic at Dover and Folkestone. Since the congestion flexibility ended on 6 September 2026, member states have fewer options to scale back checks when queues build.
5. **Brief drivers and staff.** Agree who leads the group through the process, how pupils stay together, and what happens if a pupil is held for a secondary check.

> **Build EES into your risk assessment**
> Long border queues affect supervision ratios, toilet stops, food and medication timing, and driver hours. Our [school trip risk assessment guide](https://www.roamlytravel.com/guides/school-trip-risk-assessment-uk) and free [travel risk assessment tool](https://www.roamlytravel.com/travel-risk-assessment) cover how to plan for delays.

## What is ETIAS and when does it start?

ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, including UK passport holders without an EU visa or residence permit. Travellers will apply online or through an app before travelling, giving personal details, passport details and answers to security questions. It is separate from EES: EES records you at the border, ETIAS authorises you to travel before you set off.

> **Status on 30 October 2026: not in operation, no start date**
> The European Commission's ETIAS page says ETIAS is **currently not in operation and no applications are collected**, and that the EU will announce the start date several months before launch. ETIAS had been scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, but on 13 October 2026 ABTA said there is now no official launch date. Check [travel-europe.europa.eu](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en) for the confirmed date.

Once ETIAS starts, it will not be enforced fully on day one. The EU has set out two phases:

| Phase | Length | What it means for travellers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transitional period | At least 6 months from launch | Travellers should apply, but those without an ETIAS will not be refused entry if they meet the other entry conditions. |
| Grace period | At least 6 months after the transitional period | Travellers entering for the first time since the transitional period ended can exceptionally enter without an ETIAS if they meet the other conditions. |
| Full operation | After the grace period | Travellers without a valid ETIAS will be prevented from travelling or refused entry. |

## How much will ETIAS cost, how long will it last and who needs one?

*ETIAS at a glance, based on official EU information (not yet in operation)*

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Fee | €20 per application, increased from the previously planned €7. Takes effect when ETIAS becomes operational. |
| Fee exemptions | Applicants under 18 and over 70 do not pay the fee, but they still need an ETIAS. |
| Who needs one | Each visa-exempt traveller, including children. A third party, such as a relative or a travel agency, can apply on a traveller's behalf with a signed declaration of representation. Applications for under-18s must name, and be authorised by, a parent or legal guardian. |
| Validity | 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. |
| Linked to the passport | No printout is needed. A traveller who gets a new passport will need a new ETIAS. |
| Processing | The Commission says most applications are expected to be approved within minutes. Some will take longer. |
| Countries | 30 European countries: the 29 Schengen countries plus Cyprus. |

For groups, the practical tasks will be the same as for a US ESTA: collect passport details early, submit an application for every traveller, keep a record of each approval, and check that the passport number on each ETIAS matches the passport the traveller carries. Children under 18 will not pay the fee, but they still need their own authorisation.

> **Beware of unofficial ETIAS websites**
> In October 2026, ABTA warned that more than 150 websites were already selling ETIAS authorisations, even though applications are not open. The UK government advises applying only through the official EU website once ETIAS launches.

## What should group organisers do now?

- **For trips now:** plan for EES registration on the first crossing, allow extra time at the border, and check each passport against Schengen rules. Our [passport and visa checklist](https://www.roamlytravel.com/guides/passport-visa-checklist-group-travel) explains the issue date and validity rules.
- **For trips in 2027 and later:** do not buy ETIAS yet, as there is nothing to buy. Watch for the official start date and add an ETIAS step to your planning once it is announced.
- **Keep a passport register:** record passport numbers, issue dates and expiry dates for every traveller. It speeds up EES at the border now and ETIAS applications later.
- **Tell parents and travellers early:** explain fingerprinting and photographs, and that EES registration is free. This reduces anxiety and helps them avoid scam sites.
- **Recheck before each trip:** EES operations at UK crossings and the ETIAS timeline have both changed during 2026. Check the official pages listed below in the weeks before departure.

## How Roamly can help

Roamly Travel plans group routes and border timings to Europe, including coach, rail and air options, and builds EES and, once it launches, ETIAS steps into the trip plan. Use our free [travel document checklist](https://www.roamlytravel.com/travel-document-checklist) and [trip timeline builder](https://www.roamlytravel.com/trip-timeline-builder), see our [logistics service](https://www.roamlytravel.com/services/logistics), or [contact us](https://www.roamlytravel.com/contact) to talk through a trip.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the EU Entry/Exit System in operation now?

Yes. EES started on 12 October 2025 and the European Commission says it has been fully operational at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026. How it runs on the ground still varies between border points, so allow extra time.

### Do children have to give fingerprints under EES?

Children under 12 are not fingerprinted under EES. All travellers, including babies, can be photographed and have a digital record created. From age 12, travellers give fingerprints as well as a facial image.

### When does ETIAS start for UK travellers?

As of 30 October 2026 there is no official start date. The European Commission says ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected, and that it will announce the date several months before launch. Check travel-europe.europa.eu for updates.

### How much will ETIAS cost?

ETIAS will cost €20 per application once it is operational. Applicants under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need an authorisation. It will be valid for 3 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first.

### Do school pupils need their own ETIAS?

Yes, once ETIAS is in operation each visa-exempt traveller needs their own, including children. Under-18s will not pay the €20 fee. Applications for minors must involve a parent or legal guardian, although a third party such as a travel agency can submit them with a signed declaration.

### Does EES apply to trips to Ireland or Cyprus?

No. EES applies at the external borders of the 29 Schengen countries, and Ireland and Cyprus are not in the Schengen area. Cyprus will, however, be one of the 30 countries that require ETIAS once it launches.

### Where do coach groups register for EES when crossing at Dover?

At the Port of Dover, French border checks take place in the UK before departure, and coach passengers are processed in the purpose-built area at the Western Docks. Follow your coach operator's and the port's current check-in advice.

### Should I pay a website to register for EES or ETIAS now?

No. EES registration is free and happens at the border. ETIAS is not yet accepting applications. Any website charging for either today is not official. When ETIAS launches, apply only through the official EU website or app.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK: EU Entry/Exit System](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system)
- [GOV.UK: France travel advice, entry requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements)
- [European Commission: Main differences between the EES and ETIAS (April 2026)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/main-differences-between-ees-and-etias-what-travellers-need-know-2026-04-28_en)
- [European Commission: European Travel Information and Authorisation System](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias_en)
- [European Commission: The European travel authorisation ETIAS will cost EUR 20](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/european-travel-authorisation-etias-will-cost-eur-20-2025-07-17_en)
- [Travel to Europe (EU): ETIAS timeline explained](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/news-corner/etias-timeline-explained)
- [Travel to Europe (EU): EES frequently asked questions](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faq)
- [Travel to Europe (EU): ETIAS, applying on behalf of others](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/how-to-apply/applying-on-behalf-of-others)
- [Port of Dover: EU Entry/Exit System](https://www.portofdover.com/ferry/travel-advice/ees/)
- [House of Commons Library: The EU Entry/Exit System and EU travel authorisation system](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10676/)
- [Travel Weekly: ABTA warns of scam ETIAS websites as launch date still unclear (13 October 2026)](https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/etias-launch-date-withdrawn-as-eu-delays-rollout)