EU Entry/Exit System: UK Preparations

Alex Norris Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)]

In July 2024, this Government set out the steps we were taking to strengthen readiness for the European Union’s entry-exit system—EES—and to minimise disruption for journeys via the United Kingdom’s juxtaposed border controls. Since then, the Government have continued to work closely with ports, carriers and international partners, including supporting the delivery of necessary infrastructure and technology at juxtaposed sites. Today, I am updating the House ahead of full implementation on 10 April 2026, setting out the context for its introduction, the preparations undertaken at UK ports, and the practical implications for travellers.

The Government have been working to prepare UK citizens, ports and carriers for the introduction of the EU’s new digital border system. EES is an EU-owned system, introduced by the European Union and its member states as part of their external border reforms, and its design, delivery and implementation timetable are determined by the EU.

In October 2025, the EU introduced EES, which many British citizens will already have experienced. EES replaces passport stamping throughout the Schengen area. The system was launched with a six-month phased implementation period and is due to come into force in full on 10 April 2026. Most travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries who do not hold a long-term visa or residence permit will be required to register for EES at the border. This will include capture of both fingerprints and a facial image on entry to the Schengen area, as well as some checks on exit. EES will strengthen the security of the EU’s external border, and the UK remains supportive of this objective as part of our shared commitment to secure and well-managed borders.

The decision to introduce EES, and the timing of its implementation, rest with the EU and its member states. The Government have engaged closely with the European Commission and member states throughout the development and phased implementation period to ensure the implications for British travellers are understood, to advocate for a proportionate and pragmatic approach, and to make sure we are able to support our citizens to navigate these new border arrangements.

At UK ports with juxtaposed border controls—Dover, Eurotunnel, and Eurostar at St Pancras—EES registration will take place on UK soil before passengers’ departure. The Government have supported the ports and carriers to ensure that appropriate technology and processes are in place. This included providing £10.5 million to support the juxtaposed ports in installing new technology and complete infrastructure works, recognising that these changes represent a significant operational shift at some of the UK’s busiest routes to Europe. The UK juxtaposed ports have undertaken a substantial programme of work to prepare for EES.

Last year, the Government launched public communications to raise awareness of the new border checks among British travellers, and this will continue as EES is fully implemented. Travellers are advised to check with their operator and follow the latest advice on gov.uk, which may include allowing extra time for EES exit processing when returning to the UK.

The Government remain committed to maintaining fluidity at the border, and to supporting both industry and the public as they adapt to the changing landscape of modern border systems. We will continue to engage with the EU and its member states to press for smooth implementation and to advocate for the interests of British citizens travelling to Europe.

[HCWS1476]