Cruises

Before you go on your TUI River Cruises holiday

What's ESS and what does it mean to me?

Q: What's ESS and what does it mean to me?

Starting 12th October 2025, the EU is introducing a new border control system called Entry/Exit System (EES). This will happen gradually across EU and Schengen zone countries over six months. During this time, when entering or leaving an EU or Schengen Zone country: You may or may not be asked to provide biometric data Your passport may still be stamped What’s changing? Instead of having your passport stamped, your entry and exit will be recorded electronically. This means your details will be stored in a secure EU database when you cross the border. Until you've registered in the new system, your passport will still be stamped as usual. What do I need to do before travel? Nothing new – just travel as you normally would. There’s no need to register or apply in advance. What happens when I arrive? The first time you travel under the new system, it may take a little longer at border control. That’s because your biometric data (a photo of your face and four fingerprints) will be collected. This only happens once – after that, it’s quicker next time Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints On the day of travel, in case there are any delays, carry any essential medications in your hand luggage. Also bring extra water to make your airport journey more comfortable. Your return trip If you’re travelling on a flight-only booking, please allow extra time at the airport before your flight If you're on a package holiday, including our river cruises, we'll make sure your transfer gets you to the airport in good time After checking in your luggage, head straight to border control During busy times, there might be queues at border control Want to know more? You can find out more details on the UK Government website or visit the official EU EES site. Watch the official home office video.

Starting 12th October 2025, the EU is introducing a new border control system called Entry/Exit System (EES). This will happen gradually across EU and Schengen zone countries over six months. During this time, when entering or leaving an EU or Schengen Zone country:

You may or may not be asked to provide biometric data
Your passport may still be stamped

What’s changing?

Instead of having your passport stamped, your entry and exit will be recorded electronically. This means your details will be stored in a secure EU database when you cross the border.

Until you've registered in the new system, your passport will still be stamped as usual.

What do I need to do before travel?

Nothing new – just travel as you normally would. There’s no need to register or apply in advance.

What happens when I arrive?

The first time you travel under the new system, it may take a little longer at border control. That’s because your biometric data (a photo of your face and four fingerprints) will be collected.

This only happens once – after that, it’s quicker next time

Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints

On the day of travel, in case there are any delays, carry any essential medications in your hand luggage. Also bring extra water to make your airport journey more comfortable.

Your return trip

If you’re travelling on a flight-only booking, please allow extra time at the airport before your flight
If you're on a package holiday, including our river cruises, we'll make sure your transfer gets you to the airport in good time
After checking in your luggage, head straight to border control
During busy times, there might be queues at border control

Want to know more?
You can find out more details on the UK Government website or visit the official EU EES site. Watch the official home office video.

What's ESS and what does it mean to me?

More questions about Before you go on your TUI River Cruises holiday

Are branded spirits included in the All Inclusive drinks package with TUI River Cruises?

Can I book an unrestricted view for my river cruise cabin?

Can I book a hotel stay before or after my cruise?

Can I book private transfers?

Can I go on a river cruise if I’m pregnant?

Can I request a brochure?

Can I take children on my River Cruise?

Can just one passenger on a River Cruise booking have the All Inclusive drinks package?

Do I need a Visa for my TUI River Cruise?

Do you have twin cabins?

How do I check in for my cruise?

How do I view my TUI River Cruises booking online?

How much is the All Inclusive drinks package on a River Cruise and how do I book it?

How much luggage allowance do I have for a TUI River Cruise?

I've heard that there is a Galabaya party on our cruise what is this?

What’s included in the River Cruise All Inclusive drinks package?

What’s the charge for pre-booking a River Cruise cabin?

What’s the check-in time for my River Cruise?

When can you pre-book a river cruise cabin?

What's ESS and what does it mean to me?

More questions about Before you go on your TUI River Cruises holiday

Are branded spirits included in the All Inclusive drinks package with TUI River Cruises?

Can I book an unrestricted view for my river cruise cabin?

Can I book a hotel stay before or after my cruise?

Can I book private transfers?

Can I go on a river cruise if I’m pregnant?

Can I request a brochure?

Can I take children on my River Cruise?

Can just one passenger on a River Cruise booking have the All Inclusive drinks package?

Do I need a Visa for my TUI River Cruise?

Do you have twin cabins?

How do I check in for my cruise?

How do I view my TUI River Cruises booking online?

How much is the All Inclusive drinks package on a River Cruise and how do I book it?

How much luggage allowance do I have for a TUI River Cruise?

I've heard that there is a Galabaya party on our cruise what is this?

What’s included in the River Cruise All Inclusive drinks package?

What’s the charge for pre-booking a River Cruise cabin?

What’s the check-in time for my River Cruise?

When can you pre-book a river cruise cabin?

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