EES stands for Entry & Exit system and applies to non-EU travellers when visiting the EU. Implementation has recently been delayed but we expect this will likely be introduced in 2025. All non-EU nationals travelling to a European country will be subject to checks at the border.
The EES system replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures collecting and recording the data in your passport, your date and place of entry and exit from a European country and also your facial image and fingerprints.
In most cases these checks will be carried out upon arrival in the EU when arriving by air, however, due to the dual French and UK border arrangements in Dover, these checks will take place in Dover for coach passengers, prior to boarding the ship for the cross-channel sailing. All travellers will be required to disembark the coach and pass through the automated EES kiosks for the checks to take place, once complete the coach will have a seal attached to the door and proceed to the port and check-in for the ferry. Customers will no longer therefore be able to join the coach at the port of Dover and the last joining point will now become Stop 24 services on the M20.
During the first half of 2025 the rules of travel to Europe will change and there will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. Travellers will be required to make an online application for and obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most EU countries, a fee of €7 will be charged. Once confirmed this is linked to your passport and will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires if that is sooner. If you get a new passport, you will need a new ETIAS travel authorisation. You must carry the email confirming your successful ETIAS submission and unique ETIAS application number along with your passport when travelling as both documents will be checked at the border.
ETIAS is not required for Crown Dependencies – Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, or the common travel areas of Northern and Southern Ireland.