08 October 2025
The European Union, EU, will officially launch its new Entry/Exit System, EES, on 12 October
2025, marking a significant shift in border control procedures for non-EU nationals, including
British citizens, travelling to the Schengen area.
People travelling from Jersey do not need to take any action before travel, and there is no cost
for EES registration.
The EES is designed to enhance security across the EU and neighbouring countries. It will
automate border checks, replacing the current practice of manually stamping passports, and
help authorities monitor overstays and reduce illegal migration.
British passport holders (including Jersey variant passports) visiting any of the 29 Schengen
countries for short stays will be required to register their fingerprints and have a photograph
taken upon arrival.
The system will be gradually phased in over six months at EU entry points.
Countries in the Schengen Area Include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Please note the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area, and EES does
not apply when travelling to these countries.
The EES does not apply to nationals of EU countries that participate in the border system, as
well as to holders of residence cards, residence permits, or long-stay visas. A full list of those
exempt from the EES can be found here, and it can also be accessed through the gov.je website
linked below.
For more information on the European Union Entry/Exit Scheme, please visit: European Union Entry and Exit System.
gov.je