EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Government of Bermuda London Office wishes to advise the public that, as of 10 April 2026, the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational. This is a new digital border management system that changes entry and exit requirements for British nationals travelling to countries within the Schengen area.

Under this system, travellers using UK passports may be required to register their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, when entering a Schengen area country for a short stay. This process replaces the current practice of manually stamping passports upon entry.

On their first visit to the Schengen area following the introduction of EES, travellers may be required to create a digital record by submitting their biometric details at dedicated registration booths. There is no requirement to provide any information before travelling, and there is no fee for EES registration. A digital EES record is typically valid for three years.

Travellers should also be aware that biometric checks may be required when exiting the Schengen area.

As EES is implemented, passengers may experience longer processing times at border control, particularly during busy travel periods. At certain departure points in the UK, including Dover, Eurotunnel (Folkestone), and St Pancras International, EES checks may be carried out before departure.

Travellers visiting the Schengen area should continue to ensure that they comply with existing immigration rules, including the requirement not to exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Penalties may apply for overstaying.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Starting in late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become a mandatory requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries traveling to 30 European countries.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, is not a visa but a pre-travel authorization required for short-term visits to any of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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, Switzerland

If you are a national of a visa-exempt country, you must apply online before your trip, and your travel authorization will be linked electronically to your passport. Once approved, it allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across participating countries.

The application fee for ETIAS has been set at €20, though exemptions apply to specific groups such as minors under 18 and travellers over 70.

For further details on the EES and ETIAS systems, please refer to the EU’s official Travel Europe website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en. We encourage all travellers to stay informed and plan accordingly for this upcoming change.