The Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are designed to improve security and streamline border crossings—but they will also introduce new requirements for British travellers.
Here's what you need to know before your next trip.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a new digital border system for non-EU travellers, including British passport holders, visiting the EU and Schengen Area (excluding Ireland and Cyprus).
Instead of having passports manually stamped, travellers will register their biometric details—such as fingerprints and facial scans—at electronic kiosks when entering and leaving the EU. Once registered on EES, details will be stored for three years.
You cannot register with EES in advance.
For coach travellers, the system will be in place at key border crossings, including the Port of Dover and Le Shuttle Terminal in Folkestone.
When Will EES Start?
The EES will be phased in across EU border crossings from 12 October 2025.
Each country has six months to introduce the system. During the transition, coach groups might experience different processes at different crossing points. For example, they might only get their passport stamped at one ferry terminal, but be required to provide their biometric data at another. Our experienced drivers will advise you of the expected process for your journey.
EES should be fully operational across all EU borders by 10 April 2026.
How Will EES Affect Coach Travel?
Please expect slightly longer wait times at the ferry ports while the new system is bedding in.
Coach groups crossing the Channel from Dover or Folkestone will use the EES kiosks before boarding the ferry or Le Shuttle:
- Port of Dover has dedicated lanes and 24 separate EES machines, just for coaches
- There is a separate EES registration area for coaches at Le Shuttle's Folkestone Terminal, containing 5 staffed EES kiosks
Groups travelling to Europe via other Channel routes don't need to register with EES until they arrive on French soil.
Are Children Exempt?
No, but children under 12 years old only need a facial scan and do not need to provide fingerprints.
What is ETIAS and How Does It Affect Coach Travel?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is not yet in operation.
The ETIAS is a separate EU rule that requires British travellers to apply for an electronic travel authorisation before visiting the EU. The online process is expected to take only a few minutes, with authorisation valid for three years.
There is no launch date set for ETIAS yet, but it is not expected to come into force until at least the end of 2026.
What Should Coach Travellers Do to Prepare for these new checks?
- Plan for extra time at ports and terminals while EES is phased in
- Ensure all passengers in your group have valid passports—your passport must be valid for at least three months after your trip
- Check ETIAS requirements before the end of 2026 to ensure all passengers have the necessary travel authorisation
Stay Updated on EU Travel Changes
At Pegasus Coaches, we’re staying on top of these changes to ensure your European coach journey runs smoothly. If you have any questions about how these new rules affect your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
🚍 Contact Us for more information about coach hire for trips to Europe.