What is changing for British travellers to Europe this year.

The EU launched the entry-exit system (EES) on 12 October and expects to complete roll-out across Schengen borders by April 2026; the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is scheduled to start about six months after EES completion.

Travel checks at Schengen borders are changing for UK citizens after the EU launched its entry-exit system (EES) on 12 October. The EES introduces biometric registration at arrival and departure points across the Schengen area, which covers EU states except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The EU's timetable aims to complete the roll‑out by April 2026 so all crossing points are covered. These changes are intended to record entries and exits and alter how passport processing is handled. Key changes: - The EES was launched on 12 October, though some countries have not fully switched to it yet. - By April 2026 the roll‑out should be complete across Schengen border crossing points. - On first registration with the EES, travellers are reported as required to give four fingerprints (children under 12 excepted) and a facial biometric. - Biometric checks will be carried out on both arrival and departure at airports, land borders and ports within the Schengen area. - Manual passport checking and stamping will continue until the roll‑out completion date; stamping is reported to end once the system is fully operational. - The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is planned to be introduced about six months after EES completion, with a reported fee of €20 (free for those under 18 and over 70) and an initial six‑month grace period; the article reports airlines might refuse boarding to passengers without an Etias. Summary: The EES roll‑out will change border formalities by adding biometric registration for travellers and aims to be in place across Schengen by April 2026, with Etias to follow roughly six months later. Member states are required to enable biometric functionality at a minimum share of their crossing points during the transition, and manual passport stamping remains in place until roll‑out completion.