Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules

Posted on 23rd August, 2025

The big news this autumn is that the way we travel to Europe is undergoing changes. From October 2025, two new systems, EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), will reshape border controls for UK citizens and non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Zone, including to France, the most visited country in the world. If you’re a frequent traveller, a home owner or a buyer looking for a property, these changes will affect you.

Here’s What UK Travellers Need to Know About the New Rules

Unlike the pre-Brexit days of seamless passport stamps, the EU is introducing digital border checks and pre-travel authorisations to tighten security and streamline immigration. But what does this mean in practice? Will it cause delays? Do you need to apply for anything in advance? And how will it impact those who split their time between the UK and France? Let’s explain what’s happening, when it will take effect and how to prepare.

The End of Passport Stamps: How EES Will Work

Starting 12 October 2025, the EU will roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border process that replaces the familiar ink stamp in your passport. Instead, travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries will have their biometric data, fingerprints and a facial scan recorded electronically upon arrival.

What to Expect at the Border

If you’re entering the Schengen Area (which includes France, Spain, Italy and 26 other countries) for a short stay, here’s what will happen:

First-time arrivals after October 2025 will need to register at an automated kiosk before passing through passport control. This involves scanning your passport, providing fingerprints and having your photo taken.
Returning travellers within three years will only need a quick fingerprint or facial verification; no full re-registration will be required.
No pre-registration is required; the process happens at the border, whether you’re arriving by plane, ferry or Eurostar.

The EU insists this will eventually speed up border checks, but in the early months, expect longer queues as airports, ports and train stations adapt. Dover, Folkestone (Eurotunnel) and Saint Pancras (Eurostar) train stations are already preparing, with £3.5 million invested in self-service kiosks to handle the transition. Still, if you’re catching a ferry or train, arriving earlier than usual would be wise.

Why is the European Union Doing This?

The official reasoning is threefold:

Security – To reduce overstaying, fraud and identity theft by tracking entries and exits digitally.
Efficiency – Automated checks should (in theory) reduce human error and speed up processing once fully implemented.
Data accuracy – Unlike manual stamps, EES will precisely record how long you’ve stayed, making it harder to exceed the 90/180-day rule.

For property owners in France, this is particularly important. Many Brits with second homes have historically pushed the limits of the 90-day rule, relying on flexible border checks. Under EES, every entry and exit will be logged automatically, meaning no more grey areas. If you overstay, you risk fines, deportation or future entry bans.

ETIAS: The €20 Pre-Travel Check Coming in 2026

While EES focuses on border security, ETIAS (launching in the last quarter of 2026) is a pre-travel screening system, similar to the US ESTA. It’s not a visa, but an online authorisation that visa-exempt travellers (including Brits) must obtain before arriving in Europe.

How to Apply for ETIAS

The process is straightforward:

Fill out an online form with your passport details, travel plans and security questions.
Pay a €20 euro fee (waived for under-18s and over-70s).
Wait for approval; most applications are processed in minutes, though some may take up to 96 hours if additional checks are needed.

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires), allowing multiple entries of up to 90 days per 180-day period.

Why the Fee Increased?

Initially proposed at €7, the fee was adjusted to €20 to cover the costs of processing, security screening, and system maintenance. For comparison, the US ESTA costs $21, so ETIAS remains competitively priced for the convenience it offers.

Who Needs to Apply for ETIAS?

ETIAS applies to citizens of over 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, including:

UK passport holders (post-Brexit)
Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders
Other visa-exempt nationals (e.g., Japan, South Korea)

If you already require a visa to enter Europe, you won’t need ETIAS, as you have already been vetted through the standard visa process.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Using a nickname instead of your passport name (this can lead to rejection).
Waiting until the last minute, while most approvals are instant, some applications may require manual review.
Assuming ETIAS guarantees entry, it’s a pre-screening tool, not a visa. Border officers still have the final say.

For property buyers making frequent trips, ETIAS is a minor inconvenience but not a major hurdle; the real challenge remains the 90/180-day rule post Brexit.

Which Countries are Affected?

EES and ETIAS apply to all 29 Schengen Zone countries, including:

France (and its overseas territories like Corsica and Réunion)
Spain (including the Canary and Balearic Islands)
Italy, Germany, Portugal, Greece, and other EU favourites
Non-EU Schengen members like Switzerland, Norway and Iceland

If you’re travelling to Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus or Ireland, different rules apply; these countries are not (yet) in Schengen, so EES and ETIAS don’t cover them.

Cruise passengers should also take note:

If your cruise starts and ends outside the Schengen Zone (e.g., a round-trip from Southampton), you won’t need EES checks for day stops in France or Spain.
If you disembark in a Schengen port and continue travelling by land, you will need to register.

What it Means for UK Property Owners in France

If you own a home in France and regularly visit for extended stays, these changes won’t give you any extra flexibility. Here’s what you need to know:

The 90/180-Day Rule is Non-Negotiable

EES will automatically track your stays, so no more “resetting the clock” by making a quick trip back to the UK.
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) LINK, owning a property in France does not exempt you from immigration rules.

Border Delays are Likely (at first)

Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar are bracing for longer processing times as EES rolls out.
Airports like Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse and Nice will also see initial slowdowns; factor this into your travel plans.

ETIAS is an Extra Step, but Not a Big One

The fee is a small price for three years of hassle-free travel.
Just apply online before you go and keep your approval email handy (though digital checks will likely dominate).

No Exemptions for Second-Home Owners

Some had hoped property ownership might soften the rules, but the EU has been clear: EES and ETIAS apply to everyone equally, for now anyway.

How to Prepare: A Simple Checklist

To avoid stress and complications at the border, follow these steps:

✅ Check your passport – It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone.
✅ Allow extra time for travel – Especially in the first six months of EES (Oct 2025–Mar 2026), when teething issues are likely.
✅ Apply for ETIAS in 2026 – Do it at least a week before your trip, just in case.
✅ Track your 90-day limit – Use the EU’s Schengen calculator or a travel app to avoid overstaying.
✅ Keep digital copies of your documents – While not always required, having your ETIAS approval and passport details on your smartphone can smooth out any hiccups.

Why These Changes Matter?

The EU’s push for digital borders reflects a broader shift towards automation and security. For travellers, it means more paperwork upfront but (theoretically) smoother processing later.

Will these systems make travel harder? In the short term, yes, expect longer queues and stricter checks. However, once fully integrated, they should reduce fraud and overstaying, making the Schengen Zone safer and more efficient for everyone.

What Should You do Now?

If you’re travelling after October 2025, prepare for EES checks at the border.
If you’re planning a 2026 trip, watch for the ETIAS launch date and apply in advance.
If you split your time between the UK and France, start tracking your 90-day stays meticulously.

The good news? None of this is insurmountable. With a little preparation, you can navigate the new rules without too much hassle and continue enjoying your time in France, whether for holidays, business or managing your property.

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Whether you are a regular traveller to France, planning a house hunting trip, or simply visiting on vacation during the school holidays, keep an eye on our French blog for future updates, and register to receive our monthly newsletters, and/or property alerts if you’re actively looking for your dream French property.

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