Under EES, non-EU (third-country) nationals (including British citizens travelling to Schengen countries) entering the Schengen Area for the first time will register their biometric data—a facial image and fingerprints—at automated kiosks or border control booths. The system will create a digital record linked to their passport. 

The system will be phased in gradually across different border points, with full implementation expected by 10 April 2026. Because EES is being gradually introduced, several EU countries including Estonia and Luxembourg will start digital registration from day 1 while others will start with air borders before moving to sea and land borders.

Passengers generally do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should allow extra time for checks during the transition period.

Key rules for cruise travel: If a cruise departing and returning to a UK port visits Schengen ports during the itinerary, passengers generally will be exempt from EES registration at those ports (for day-trip stops). EES registration will be only required for passengers embarking or disembarking at a Schengen port.  

For example: For a cruise departing from a UK port but concludes in Barcelona:
On arrival in the EU/Schengen, the passenger’s EES details would be captured. On their onward departure (e.g. flying home from Spain), their EES exit will be recorded at the EU border control.

Key rules for ferry travel: At UK departure ports with juxtaposed French border controls (e.g. Dover), EES registration will occur before departure, while still in the UK) for travellers heading into Schengen. On return, when the traveller takes the ferry back from Calais to Dover, their exit from Schengen will be logged via EES at the French side border control before embarkation.
On a route from, Harwich to the Netherlands: travellers will undergo EES registration upon arrival in the Schengen port.

Passengers and operators should always follow advice from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office page. 

For more information on the UK Chamber's work in the Ferry and Cruise sector, please contact our Policy Manager, Ilias Bafounis.