Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Union will introduce its Entry/Exit System (EES) later this year. This new border control system is designed to increase accuracy and data integrity for border authorities, while speeding up the process for travellers once they’re registered.

 

We are working closely with border authorities and stakeholders to integrate EES into our current processes while making it seamless for passengers.

 

Please see the latest information about EES and our preparations below. 

 

What is EES?

 

EES is an automated IT system which the EU will launch to register entry and exit to the Schengen area and will replace the manual stamping of passports.

 

It applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the EU for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).

 

Registration is free and can only be completed on the day of travel in the station.

 

Travellers will need to:

 

• provide their fingerprints
• scan their passport
• register a facial image
• answer four questions about their stay if they’re entering the EU

 

Non-EU nationals who have long-stay visas or residence permits in the EU are exempt from EES.

 

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are also exempt. Other exemptions apply. They are listed on the official EES website.  

 

Passengers of all ages will need to go through EES, although under 12s will not have to provide fingerprints.

 

How will the EES process work for Eurostar?

 

At London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord, travellers will need to use self-service pre-registration kiosks before going through the ticket gates. Kiosks will be located in three areas at London St Pancras and at the entrance to the departures area on the Eurostar mezzanine in Paris Gare du Nord. Detailed maps will be shared closer to the launch date.

 

At our other stations, manual booths and dedicated lanes will be in place to facilitate the process. 

 

EES does  notapply to passengers travelling within the Schengen area therefore customers travelling on our routes between France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands will not be impacted. 

 

What else do I need to know?

 

• The official date of launch will be updated as soon as we receive confirmation from the EU.
• Passengers will need to follow the recommended arrival times shown on their ticket which will factor in the time required for EES registration and may vary depending on the departure station.  
• Eurostar customers will avoid border queues on arrival at their destination as EES registration is completed before boarding.
• We will be contacting customers in the lead up to the launch date to ensure they are fully informed of the new processes. 

 

For more information about EES, visit the official EES website.