The Nightmare That Could Be a European Holiday Over Half Term 2025
Have you noticed those mysterious, covered-up machines popping up at EU border controls? They’re not new photo booths, they’re part of the European Union’s shiny new
Entry/Exit System (EES).
Heralded as the end of the traditional passport stamp and the dawn of digital border management, the EES officially began its phased rollout on 12 October 2025, perfectly timed for the UK’s half-term holidays, of course.
What Exactly Is the EES?
The EES is the EU’s new digital registration system for non-EU citizens entering or leaving the Schengen Area. It replaces manual passport stamping with biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, all in the name of efficiency and security.
After years of delays and testing, the system will be phased in over six months, meaning you might experience a smooth scan at one border and a full-blown queue fest at another. It’s the EU’s version of “lucky dip travel.”
Will It Be Faster for UK Passport Holders?
In theory, yes. In practice… maybe not quite yet.
Early reports suggest teething problems. At Prague Airport, for instance, passengers faced 90-minute delays because their EES machines weren’t switched on.
And for those crossing the Channel via Eurotunnel or ferry, the fun really begins.
Even with FlexiPlus passes and the best-laid plans, it still takes around 30 minutes to clear manual border checks at Folkestone and Calais without considering the lightning strikes. Now, futuristic hangars have appeared at Folkestone, equipped with rows of shiny machines promising a “quick facial scan.”
But here’s the catch: everyone in the car must get out for the scan. The once-planned in-car tablet systems? Scrapped. So, spare a thought for coach drivers facing a busload of restless holidaymakers or fidgety schoolchildren.
Your First EES Trip: What to Expect
That first trip post-EES means registration time. You’ll need to use an automated kiosk or see a border officer to capture:
Children under 12 escape the fingerprinting, but sulky teens don’t. And when asked where you’re spending your first night , “Probably in this queue!” may not cut it as an official answer.
Flying to Europe
If you’re flying, your registration happens upon arrival in the EU. At Toulouse Airport, for example, four biometric kiosks are already waiting patiently in a corner of the arrivals hall. (Blog update to follow field research!)
Once registered, your biometric data stays in the system for three years, after which you’ll need to repeat the process.
What UK Travellers Need to Know
A few essentials before you pack your bags:
Authorities have admitted that the first few months could be “challenging” as systems and staff adapt. At Dover, Folkestone, and King’s Cross, full implementation isn’t expected until 1 November 2025, with limited operational testing running before then in the afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m.
So yes, patience (and snacks) will be your best travel accessories this autumn.
The Light at the End of the Queue
By summer 2026, the system is expected to be fully functional, and hopefully, crossing into Europe will truly become a “blink of an eye” experience.
Until then, one thing you can control is your peace of mind. Products like Simple Refunds can offer protection if travel delays disrupt your plans, one less thing to stress about while waiting at Dover with a car full of kids.