What’s EES and what does it mean to me?

The Entry/Exit System (from now on called the border system) is the EU's electronic way of recording when you enter and leave EU and Schengen zone countries. The system is now active and records your entries and exits electronically.

The border process can vary depending on your airport, the country you're travelling through and how busy it is. During very busy periods, local border authorities may adjust their checks. This means the process might be different from one airport to another.

What this means for you:

• Border staff may or may not ask you to provide biometric data (your photo and fingerprints)

• In some cases, staff may still stamp your passport

What's changed?

After your first trip using the new border system, your entry and exit will usually be recorded electronically instead of with a passport stamp. Your details will be stored in a secure EU database when you cross the border.

Before you travel

You don't need to do anything different from your usual travel routine.

Travelling to Portugal or Sweden? You can complete the entry questionnaire before you travel using the Travel to Europe mobile app. This might help speed up your time at border control.

When you arrive

Your first trip using the new system may take a little longer at border control. Border staff will collect your biometric data, which includes:

• A photo of your face

• Four fingerprints

You might experience longer queues at busier airports, especially during peak travel times.

Good news: Once your record is created, future trips should be quicker.

Travelling with children? Children under 12 don't need to give fingerprints.

If you've booked special assistance

You may experience some additional waiting time while border checks are completed. Airport staff will continue to support you, but border checks are carried out by local authorities.

Helpful tip: Carry any essential medication in your hand luggage in case there are delays. Bringing extra water can also help make your airport journey more comfortable.

Your return trip

Flight-only booking: Allow extra time at the airport before your flight.

Package holiday: We'll make sure your transfer gets you to the airport in good time.

After checking in your luggage, go straight to border control. During busy times, there might be queues.

Want to know more?

Find out more on the UK Government's Entry/Exit System guidance page or visit the EU's official Entry/Exit System information site.

You can also watch the Home Office video explaining the Entry/Exit System.