How Brexit Changed EU Entry for UK Citizens
UK Passport Holders Are Now Third-Country Nationals
After Brexit, British citizens are no longer EU nationals. This means UK passport holders are now subject to the same entry requirements as other third-country nationals (US, Canadian, Australian citizens, etc.).
Key Changes for UK Travelers:
- •Biometric registration required starting October 12, 2025 (EES)
- •90/180 day rule applies: maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
- •Travel authorization required starting 2025 (ETIAS - separate from EES)
- •No EU/EEA lanes - use "All Passports" or "Non-EU" lanes at borders
🇪🇺Before Brexit (Pre-2021)
- EU/EEA fast-track lanes
- No entry/exit checks
- Unlimited stay duration
- No biometric registration
- Freedom of movement
🇬🇧After Brexit (2025+)
- Non-EU lanes only
- EES biometric registration required
- 90/180 day limit enforced
- ETIAS authorization needed (2025)
- Border checks at every entry/exit
What UK Passport Holders Must Do
Register with EES on First Entry (October 12, 2025+)
All UK citizens entering the Schengen Area on or after October 12, 2025 must complete EES biometric registration at the border.
What You'll Provide:
- Fingerprints (4 fingers scanned)
- Facial photograph
- Passport details
- Travel information (destination, purpose, duration)
Time Required: 5-10 minutes for first registration, less than 1 minute for return visits
Follow 90/180 Day Rule
UK citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The EES system automatically tracks your entry/exit dates to enforce this rule.
Example:
If you spend 45 days in Spain (Jan 1 - Feb 14), you have 45 days remaining for the next 180 days. You could return for another 45-day trip starting March 1, but cannot stay longer than 90 total days until July 1 (when the 180-day window resets).
Tool: Use our Schengen Calculator to track your days accurately
Apply for ETIAS (2025 - Separate Requirement)
In addition to EES, UK citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorization starting 2025 (exact date TBA). This is a pre-travel online application, similar to the US ESTA.
ETIAS vs EES:
- ETIAS:Pre-travel authorization (apply online before trip)
- EES:Border biometric registration (done at entry point)
Both required: UK travelers will need ETIAS approval AND EES registration to enter the EU
Timeline: When UK Travelers Need EES
Before October 12, 2025
EES Not Required - UK passport holders can enter the EU without EES registration
However, 90/180 day rule still applies. Track your days manually or use our Schengen Calculator.
October 12, 2025 - EES Launch
EES Becomes Mandatory - All UK citizens entering the Schengen Area must register
Expect 30-45 minute delays at borders during launch week as millions of travelers complete first-time registration.
After First Registration
Fast-Track Entry - Return visits take less than 1 minute with automated verification
Your EES registration is valid for 3 years. Biometric data is linked to your passport for quick border crossing.
2025 (Date TBA) - ETIAS Required
Additional Authorization Needed - UK travelers must apply for ETIAS online before travel
ETIAS costs €7 (approx £6), valid for 3 years. Application takes 10-15 minutes online.
Popular UK to EU Routes
EES registration will be required at all entry points from the UK to the Schengen Area. Here's what to expect on the most popular routes:
🇬🇧 UK → 🇫🇷 France (Flights, Eurostar, Ferries)
Most popular UK-EU route. Paris CDG has 120+ EES kiosks ready. Eurostar terminals have dedicated EES registration areas.
Flights
Register at French airport upon arrival
Eurostar
Register at St Pancras before departure
Ferries
Register at French port upon arrival
🇬🇧 UK → 🇪🇸 Spain (Flights)
Second most popular destination for UK travelers. Barcelona and Madrid airports have 70-85 EES kiosks installed.
Launch Week Tip: Expect 25-35 min additional time at Spanish airports during October 2025
🇬🇧 UK → 🇵🇹 Portugal (Flights)
Increasingly popular for UK expats and holidaymakers. Lisbon and Faro airports have EES infrastructure ready.
Note: Portugal is in Schengen. Days spent in Portugal count toward your 90/180 limit.
🇬🇧 UK → 🇬🇷 Greece (Flights)
Athens and island airports ready for EES. Expect higher demand during summer 2026 season.
Summer 2026: EES will be normalized by peak Greek holiday season. Border times back to normal.
🇬🇧 UK → 🇮🇹 Italy (Flights)
Rome, Milan, Venice airports have 50-75 EES kiosks each. Popular for city breaks and business travel.
Business Travelers: After first registration, Italian border crossing takes less than 1 minute
Register Once, Travel Everywhere
You only need to complete EES registration once. If you register when entering France, your biometric data is valid for all subsequent Schengen entries through any country (Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.) for 3 years.
UK Traveler FAQs
Do UK citizens need a visa to enter the EU after Brexit?
No. UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days) in the Schengen Area. However, you must register with EES (starting October 2025) and will need ETIAS authorization (starting 2025, date TBA). For stays longer than 90 days, you need a visa or residence permit.
Can I use the EU lanes at airports with my UK passport?
No. After Brexit, UK passport holders must use "All Passports" or "Non-EU/Third-Country Nationals" lanes. You can no longer use EU/EEA/Swiss citizen fast-track lanes, even if you previously used them before Brexit.
I have dual UK/EU citizenship. Do I need EES registration?
No. If you have dual citizenship (UK + EU country), travel on your EU passport. EU citizens are exempt from EES and ETIAS requirements. Use your EU passport at all EU borders to maintain freedom of movement rights.
Does EES apply to UK travelers going to Ireland?
No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has a separate Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement with the UK. UK citizens do not need EES registration, ETIAS, or passport checks to travel to Ireland. The border remains open under the CTA.
I have a UK residence permit. Am I exempt from EES?
No. EES is based on your passport/nationality, not your residence. If you hold a non-EU passport and live in the UK, you still need EES registration when entering the Schengen Area. EU residence permits (not UK) may provide exemptions - check your specific permit type.
Can I avoid EES by traveling via non-Schengen countries?
No. You cannot avoid EES registration if you want to enter the Schengen Area. Even if you fly UK → Switzerland → France, you must register with EES at the first Schengen border crossing. There's no workaround for non-EU nationals entering Schengen.
What happens if I overstay the 90/180 day limit?
Overstaying is a serious violation with consequences: entry ban (1-5 years), fines (up to €10,000), deportation, and difficulty obtaining future Schengen visas or ETIAS authorization. The EES system automatically tracks your days and flags overstays. Always monitor your 90/180 limit using our Schengen Calculator.