The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management system that records eligible non-EU travellers entering and leaving participating European countries, while ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers. Both affect UK travellers visiting Europe, including school groups. EES uses passport and biometric information, such as facial images and fingerprints, as part of the border-crossing process. ETIAS, once operational, will require eligible travellers to apply for authorisation before they travel.
For school groups, this means allowing extra time for border checks and making sure students and staff have the right travel documents and, where required, travel authorisation before you set off.
How does it work? On your first visit, a machine will collect your biometrics (facial photograph and fingerprints). Future crossings are then logged automatically at self-service kiosks or e-gates.
What is the purpose? To track exactly when you enter and leave to ensure non-EU citizens don’t exceed 90 day limit of stay within any 180 day period.
What is its current status? Operating across participating borders (however, its implementation remains inconsistent or delayed in certain locations, such as the Port of Dover).
How does it work? Before your trip, travellers will need to complete an online form to submit their passport details, personal information, and background questions. Those under 18 don’t need to pay but will still need to apply.
What is the purpose? To allow European authorities to conduct background and security checks on travellers prior to travel to enhance border security.
What is its current status? Planned to launch in late 2026.
If you’re wondering what EES is likely to mean for your school trip, the main change is the additional border checks your group may need to complete. Travellers of all ages will need to go through EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, but they will need to have a facial scan taken (please note that this process may be subject to change but is correct at the time of publishing).
In most cases, the EES checks will take place in Europe upon arrival at your destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip.
However, if you are departing via the Port of Dover, an international (European) train from the UK (London St Pancras, Folkestone, etc), then these checks will take place when going through passport control in the UK.
ETIAS is a pre-travel permit expected to launch in late 2026. Once ETIAS becomes operational, eligible visa-exempt travellers will need to obtain a travel authorisation before visiting participating European countries.
For school trips, every student and teacher must apply individually online before travelling. This can include students and teachers travelling on UK passports, so it’s important to check the requirements for everyone in your group, particularly if students have different nationalities or passports.
For more details, read ABTA’s Upcoming changes for travel to Europe.
A little preparation can help your school group move through EES border checks as smoothly as possible. Make sure passports are checked well in advance, allow extra time for border processing and let students and staff know what to expect before you travel.
Check passports before travelling.
For most EU countries, your passport must:
Border checks may take longer while travellers and border authorities get used to the EES registration process, so build some additional time into your journey where possible.
To ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible, inform students and staff in advance on what to expect at border control, including the biometric data collection process.
The upcoming changes to border control, as well as other factors such as travelling during peak times or poor weather, can affect the amount of time spent at border crossing. Therefore, we recommend that you pack some extra bottles of water and some snacks, in case of any delays.
For more details, read ABTA’s Upcoming changes for travel to Europe.
Our team can help you plan your itinerary, transport and accommodation, as well as supporting you with the practical details you need to consider before you travel.