The EU Entry and Exit System (EES) is a major change for UK travellers heading to Europe, especially those touring in motorhomes, caravans, and campervans. The system will replace passport stamping with automated biometric tracking, making border crossings more structured, but potentially slower at first.
For those who regularly tour France, Spain, Portugal, and beyond, understanding the EES is crucial.
It will enforce the 90/180-day rule more strictly and this article explains what the EES is, how it works, who it affects, and what you need to do to prepare.
What is the EES?
The EU Entry and Exit System is an automated border control system designed to enhance security and replace the current passport-stamping method for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area.
How will the EES work?
- Biometric data collection – On arrival at the border, the system will scan your passport, fingerprints, and facial recognition.
- Tracks length of stay – The system will automatically calculate how long you have spent in the Schengen area to ensure compliance with the 90 days in 180 days rule.
- Replaces passport stamping – Instead of carrying out manual checks, border guards will use digital records to determine your entry and exit status.
- Automates visa-free travel rules – This will ensure that those who overstay their Schengen limit can be flagged immediately.
Who will the EES affect?
The EES will impact all non-EU visitors to the Schengen area, including:
- UK travellers entering the EU for holidays, work, or long-term stays.
- Motorhome, caravan, and campervan owners who tour Europe regularly.
- Ferry and Eurotunnel passengers, as well as those driving across land borders.
- Tourists and second-home owners who split time between the UK and Europe.
Note: The system will not apply to EU citizens or residents with long-term visas*. However, UK tourists who travel frequently will now face stricter tracking of their days in the Schengen Area.
When will the EES come into effect?
Originally planned for 2022, but postponed due to technical and administrative delays, it has been suggested that the system will go live in 2025. A date is yet to be confirmed.
Some reports have suggested it could take several months for smooth operation across all EU entry points and long delays are to be expected.
Once in effect, all UK travellers entering France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and other countries in the Schengen area will need to go through biometric screening upon arrival.
How will the EES work?
For UK motorhome, caravan, and campervan owners entering the Schengen Area, the process will include:
First-time registration
On your first visit after the system goes live, you will need to:
- Provide fingerprints at an automated kiosk or manual border check.
- Have a facial recognition scan taken.
- Scan your passport, which will link to your biometric data.
This process will replace passport stamps, making future border crossings faster once registered.
Entry and exit process
Each time you travel to France, Spain, Portugal, or other EU countries, the system will:
- Scan your passport and compare it to your previous entry records.
- Automatically calculate how many days you have spent in the Schengen area.
- Prevent overstays; if you exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, you may face fines, deportation, difficulties coming back to the Schengen area or a ban.
No vehicle registration required
The EES only applies to people, not vehicles. Your motorhome, caravan, or campervan details won’t be recorded, only your personal passport data.
What will the EES mean for motorhome, caravan and campervan owners?
When travelling from ports like Dover, Folkestone (Eurotunnel), and Portsmouth there are to be delays as UK travellers register their biometrics for the first time. French border control (Police aux Frontières) will be responsible for processing travellers at Calais, Dunkirk, and other key entry points.
If you tour Europe for long trips, you need to carefully track your stay length to avoid overstaying. The system automatically logs your days in the Schengen area, making it easier for border officials to fine or ban travellers who exceed their limit.
What you need to do
- Check your passport validity - Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years and have at least 3 months of validity after your planned return date.
- Be prepared for delays at borders - Arrive earlier than usual at ferry ports and Eurotunnel crossings, especially in the first months after launch.
- Track Your Time in the Schengen area - Use an online calculator or app to ensure you do not exceed 90 days in 180.
- Stay updated on UK & EU announcements - Follow GOV.uk for the latest updates.
FAQs
Will I need to apply for EES before travelling?
No, registration happens at the border when you enter France, Spain, or any other Schengen country.
What will happen if I overstay the 90-day limit?
You may face fines, difficulty entering the Schengen area in the future or a ban.
Will my car/motorhome/campervan be registered under the system?
No, the EES only applies to travellers, not vehicles.
Do I still need to carry my passport?
Yes, your passport is still required even though it will be linked to the digital system.
*Source - https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
