If you’re planning a trip to Europe this winter, there’s an important change coming that all UK travellers need to be aware of.

From October 2025, the European Union will introduce a brand-new digital border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) — replacing passport stamps with biometric checks.

Whether you’re heading to the Christmas markets, the ski slopes, or a sunny southern escape, here is everything you need to know about travelling to the Schengen Area this winter and beyond.

Please note this information is publicly available and has been published to inform you of changes. Just Travel Cover cannot offer individual advice on this topic.

The New Entry/Exit System (EES)

From 12th October 2025 the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out — replacing traditional passport stamping with a digital border control system. Passport stamping will still take place until it is full implemented on 10th April 2026.

So, what is it?

All non-EU citizens will be required to provide fingerprints or have a facial photograph taken the first time they cross the border for short stays in a Schengen zone. Your data will be stored in a digital file and verified by border guards for any future border crossings.

It will help the EU to better track whether travellers are respecting the EU’s 90/180-day rule and after full implementation both fingerprints and facial photographs will be required. Under 12s are exempt and your digital record is valid for 3 years.

The EU has created an app called Travel to Europe that would allow travellers to upload a photograph and pre-register their passport details however the UK has yet to confirm if UK citizens will have access to this.

You can find more information on Gov.uk here.

What else do you need to do before travelling?

Ensure that you have an adequate Travel Insurance policy

Travel insurance offers valuable protection for your trip, helping cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and personal belongings, along with a range of other benefits.

If you’re hospitalised abroad, unable to return home as planned, or require medical repatriation, your policy can help cover these often costly situations.

It’s important to read your policy terms and conditions carefully to make sure you have the right level of cover for your destination and travel plans. You should also declare all pre-existing medical conditions when taking out a policy — if you don’t, you risk your claim being refused and may have to cover expensive medical bills yourself.

At Just Travel Cover, we work with a panel of trusted insurers to provide you with multiple quotes — helping you compare options and find the policy that’s right for you. You can choose from three levels of cover – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with no upper age limit.

We specialise in cover for pre-existing medical conditions, and can even help with undiagnosed conditions or those on waiting lists. If we’re unable to assist, we’ll signpost you to a provider who can.

For added convenience, you can access all your policy documents online through your My Account portal — so wherever you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection, your insurance details are just a click away.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. All quotes subject to underwriting terms and acceptance.

 Check your passport validity

• Must be issued less than 10 years ago
• Valid for at least 3 months after your return date

Don’t forget your GHIC

Replacing the EHIC it allows UK citizens necessary state health care in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. Treatment can be free or require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

It is valid for 5 years and you can apply via the NHS website. Avoid any unofficial websites as they may charge a fee.

It is important to remember and understand that the GHIC card is not a replacement for Travel Insurance and all travellers are recommended to have a valid Travel Insurance for the duration of their trip.

Stay up to date with FCDO advice

You can sign up for email alerts for your destination, so you have the most up-to-date information such as entry requirements, safety advice and travel alerts before you travel.

It is important to note that if the FCDO deems a country unsafe to travel and you continue your trip against their advice you risk invalidating your Travel Insurance policy.

 Other information

• You’re allowed up to 90days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area. You can view a full list of the countries that fall into this area here.
• ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System and is designed to improve security for border agents in 30 European Countries as well as speed up processing times at the borders. No date has been set as to when this will come into force, and no action is required from travellers at this point. More information can be found here.

The New Entry/Exit System (EES) FAQs