EES border controls apply from 12 October in France and 12 December in Spain

9th October 2025

The EES, or Entry Exit System will be deployed at the borders of Schengen member states to monitor the entry and exit of non-European travellers from 12 October this year. That, of course, now includes most Brits.

Its purpose is twofold: to verify that passengers are authorised to enter the Schengen area. Secondly, to automatically ensure visitors have not exceeded the 90-day limit allowed without a visa..

Who will be covered by EES?
EES applies to nationals from countries outside the European Union who do not hold a residency permit or long-stay visa. That means the vast majority of British passengers are covered, as well as Brittany Ferries staff, contractors and freight drivers from the UK. They will pass EES controls every time they enter or leave France and Spain.

When and how will the EES be implemented?
A gradual rollout will begin in France and on October 12. This is also the official start date in Spain. However Brittany Ferries ports of Santander and Bilbao have been given a discretionary delay until 12 December.

Here’s out it will work

  • On 12 October, most passengers departing the ship will proceed straight to border control booths as usual. But one in ten will be subject to biometric controls. This will be upscaled gradually for the following six months.
  • Agents with iPads will choose vehicles in lanes for the most significant change: logging biometric data (which means taking a photo and fingerprints). These will checked with the person presenting at the border on EU entry and exit
  • Those travelling on foot or in groups may be asked to pass via kiosks in the ferry terminal before boarding. Here they can pre-register before proceeding to a border control point

The exit process will be very similar. From October ten percent of passengers will undergo agent checks before proceeding to border control. This will take place after check-in, the aim being to verify that the same person who entered the EU is now leaving the bloc. In Spain the process will begin in December.

“We hope EES implementation will not have a negative impact on customers’ travel experience,” said Nigel Wonnacott Brittany Ferries spokesman. “The procedure will take a few minutes and this could increase delays leaving port, as well as putting pressure on waiting areas during embarkation and disembarkation. However, the staggered approach to EES implementation is welcome and we hope a pragmatic approach will be taken to resolving any bumps in the road ahead.”

 

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