EU's New Entry/Exit System: Myths vs. Facts for Travellers

The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) has officially begun its phased rollout, marking one of the most significant changes to border control in the Schengen Area in recent years. While the system aims to modernise and streamline how non-EU travellers are processed at borders, it has also generated a wave of misconceptions. Here, we separate myth from fact.

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What Is the EES?

The EES is a digital system designed to register the entry and exit data of non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays. It replaces the traditional manual passport stamping process with automated biometric registration, including facial scans and fingerprints. The system's primary goal is to enhance border security, reduce waiting times and ensure compliance with the 90-day short-stay rule within a 180-day period.

Myth: Travellers Must Prove Their Medical Insurance

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that non-EU travellers will be required to provide proof of medical insurance upon entry. This confusion arose from a translation error in early communications regarding check-in kiosks at London St Pancras International station. The question was intended to refer to travel insurance, not medical insurance specifically.

Both the UK government and the European Commission have confirmed that medical insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entering the EU under the EES. While comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, it is not a condition of entry.

Many UK travellers continue to rely on the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to medically necessary treatment in EU countries. However, the GHIC does not replace full travel insurance coverage.

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Myth: A New Visa Is Required

The EES does not introduce any new visa requirements. Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom, will continue to enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The EES should not be confused with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch from late 2026 onwards. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travellers to obtain pre-travel authorisation online — similar to the US ESTA — but it is not a visa.

Myth: The EES Is Retribution for Brexit

Some have speculated that the EES was introduced as a punitive measure against the UK following Brexit. This is incorrect. The EES is an EU-wide initiative that applies to all non-EU visitors and was in development well before the UK's departure from the European Union. The UK was, in fact, involved in the early planning stages of the system while still a member state.

It is worth noting that the UK has introduced its own equivalent system, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which requires pre-travel approval for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including EU citizens.

Myth: The EES Applies to EU Citizens

The EES exclusively targets non-EU citizens travelling for short stays. EU citizens, holders of long-term visas and residents of Schengen Area countries are exempt. Additionally, travellers entering the EU for studies, research, voluntary service, au-pairing or educational projects are not subject to EES procedures. Cross-border workers, heads of state and other exempt categories are also excluded.

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Myth: The EES Will Mean Extra Border Fees

The EES itself does not impose any fees at the border. However, when ETIAS becomes operational, travellers from non-EU countries will need to pay approximately €20 for travel authorisation, valid for three years or until the passport expires. Travellers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70 are exempt from this fee. The ETIAS fee was recently raised from €7 to €20 and remains under review.

Myth: Border Crossings Will Become More Complicated

While initial delays may occur as both travellers and border staff adapt to the new procedures, the EES is ultimately designed to make border crossings faster and more efficient. By replacing manual passport stamps with automated biometric systems — including facial recognition and fingerprint collection — and introducing self-service kiosks, the EU aims to significantly reduce processing times. Once registered, an EES data record remains valid for three years, requiring only a quick fingerprint or photo at subsequent border crossings.

Myth: The EES Will Store All Personal Information

Concerns about data privacy are understandable, but the EES is limited in scope. The system only records travel-specific and biometric data, including facial scans, fingerprints, entry and exit dates and passport details. It does not track personal activities or movements within the EU. All collected data is governed by strict EU data protection regulations, with clear limits on access, retention periods and permitted use.