What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The European Union plans to introduce a new digital border Entry/Exit System (EES), changing requirements for non-EU nationals travelling to certain European countries. This new electronic system replaces the manual stamping of passports when you enter a country in the Schengen area, registering all entry and exit movements electronically.
How will EES work?
With the new EES process, if you are a non-EU national travelling to one of the specified countries, you will be required to create a digital record and register your biometric details, replacing the manual stamping of passports. Biometric details include providing fingerprints and having your photo taken. Registration will take place on a visitor’s first visit to a country in the Schengen area after EES has been introduced and should only take a few minutes to complete.
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted, but all visitors, including babies, will need to have their photo taken and their digital record created.
How will EES affect my cruise holiday?
We are currently working on the rules and regulations for the EES process for cruise holidays and will update you when we have more information.
Do I need to do anything for EES before I travel?
No, there is nothing different you need to do before your trip! Your biometric details will be collected during your journey at your arrival airport, if your cruise is departing from Barcelona or Rome.
Are there any changes to passport requirements?
No, there are no changes to passport requirements as a result of EES. Please check the Foreign Travel Advice link below for the latest information on the passport requirements of the country or countries you are travelling to.
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Do I need to pay a fee for EES?
No, there is no fee for completing EES.
What happens if I choose not to complete EES?
Unfortunately, if you decide not to complete the EES process, entry to the country will be denied.