Before you travel, there’s nothing different that you need to do — the Advanced Passenger Information (API) you complete before you travel will be used by the airline to send your details. There's no need to register or apply in advance.

The first time you use the EES it might take bit longer to pass through border control when you arrive, as your biometric data (face image and four fingerprints) will be collected. You may want to take extra water with you in case there are any delays. This data is only collected the first time you travel under the new system. Fingerprints of children below 12 years old will not collected.

You can find out more by visiting the EU EES website or the UK Government website.

Your biometric data (face image and four fingerprints) is only collected the first time you travel under the new system. Your digital EES record lasts for three years. If you travel to an EU or Schengen Zone country again during this time, you’ll only need to give your fingerprint or have your photo taken at the border, both when you arrive and when you leave.

The EES will launch gradually across EU and Schengen Zone countries over about six months. This means you may have a different experience depending on your arrival airport. We're working closesly with airports to understand the impact of EES and help make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Our overseas team keeps an eye on all arrivals. If there's a delay at passport control, your transfer will wait, or be rearranged for you. 

On the way home, we'll make sure your transfer gets you to the airport in good time. There may be queues at passport control at busy times, so it's a good idea to take extra water and keep any essential medication with you.

There are plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The date this will be launched has not been confirmed, but it's expected to be in 2026.

This will be a bit like an ESTA that you’d apply for when travelling to the USA. It’s not a visa, but if you’re visiting an EU or Schengen zone country for a short stay*, you’ll need to register your details before you travel via a quick and easy online form – it’ll cost €20 and will be valid for three years.

You can find out more by checking the EU ETIAS website.

*Just so you know, a short stay is classed as no more than 90 days in a 180-day period.