Introduction
Planning a holiday or group trip to Europe? If you’re travelling to any of the Schengen area countries, you should be aware of two major changes coming in late 2025 and into 2026: the EES and the ETIAS systems. These will affect how non-EU travellers (including UK nationals) enter and exit Europe.
1. What is the EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches from 12 October 2025 (phased) and will be fully live by 10 April 2026. Read more on the official EU site at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees and see tips from our trade body ABTA here. Under EES you may be asked to have your fingerprints and facial image taken at arrival/departure, replacing the traditional passport stamp.
2. Who & Where does it apply?
It applies to short-stay travellers (up to 90 days in any 180) who don’t hold EU/Schengen nationality. Most UK holidaymakers will fall into this category. For a list of countries see ABTA’s guide which includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and more.
3. What about ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be the next step. Expected late 2026, it will require visa-exempt travellers to obtain online authorisation before travel. You can monitor the launch at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
4. What you need to do now (and what we at We Guard Holidays will do for you)
- Check your passport is valid beyond your return date.
- Allow extra time for border procedures — build buffers around arrival & departure.
- Bring all documentation: accommodation, return ticket, travel insurance.
- We will keep you updated: when you book with We Guard Holidays, we’ll send you our “Before you travel” checklist including these changes.
- Visit our blog/FAQ page for latest updates and full links to official sources.
5. Why these changes?
They’re part of the EU’s broader move to digital border control, aimed at improving security, tracking entries/exits more reliably and reducing overstays.
6. Final word
Our aim at We Guard Holidays is to make travel seamless for you. These changes shouldn’t be a barrier they simply signal the next generation of travel entry procedures. By preparing now, you’ll avoid surprises. Let us know if you’d like us to walk you through how this affects your specific itinerary or group booking.
Safe travels!
We Guard Holidays
External links for more info:
US State Dept: EU EES info – https://www.state.gov/traveling-to-europe-ees Travel ATOL bonding arrangements. T&Cs apply.
ABTA: “Upcoming changes for travel to Europe” – https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe ABTA
Official ETIAS site – https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias ETIAS+1
