Please be aware that new mandatory border checks (EES) will be introduced in October 2025 and travel authorisation requirements (ETIAS) are likely to be introduced at some point in 2026. Please read the information below carefully to understand how this may affect your journey and what pre-travel requirements you will need to make. Full details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
EES stands for Entry & Exit system and applies to non-EU travellers when visiting the EU. The system will be live from 12th October 2025 with a phased implementation by European countries meaning it will be in place everywhere by April 2026. All non-EU nationals travelling to a European country will be subject to checks at the border so it effects all UK travellers going into Europe. There is no cost involved with the EES and there is nothing to be done in advance of travel.
You will still need a passport to travel but the EES system replaces having your passport stamped by hand with a digital record. It automates border control procedures collecting and recording the data in your passport, your date and place of entry and exit from a European country and also your facial image and fingerprints.
In most cases these checks will be carried out upon arrival in the EU when arriving by air, however, due to the dual French and UK border arrangements in Dover, these checks will take place in Dover for coach passengers, prior to boarding the ship for the cross-channel sailing. All travellers will be required to disembark the coach and pass through the automated EES kiosks (in a new facility built at Dover) for the checks to take place (passport, face and fingerprint scans). Once the EES process is complete, all the passengers will board the coach again, it will have a seal attached to the door and then proceed to check-in for the ferry.
ETIAS - European Travel Information Authorisation System
At some stage in 2026 the rules of travel to Europe will change and there will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. Travellers will be required to make an online application for and obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most EU countries, a fee of €7 will be charged. Once confirmed this is linked to your passport and will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires if that is sooner. If you get a new passport, you will need a new ETIAS travel authorisation. You must carry the email confirming your successful ETIAS submission and unique ETIAS application number along with your passport when travelling as both documents will be checked at the border.
ETIAS will not required for Crown Dependencies – Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, or the common travel areas of Northern and Southern Ireland.