UK PASSPORT HOLDERS ENTERING THE EU – VISA REQUIREMENTS

Details about the changes made to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) starting on 12th October 2025.

This page is a guide only. Information below is an excerpt supplied by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and is subject to change and updates. Please note that it is all athletes and parents responsibility to ensure correct documentation is held for travelling. 

Please be aware of the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) being introduced from 12 October 2025. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area EU Entry/Exit System – GOV.UK For full information see EU’s official  Travel Europe website.

The countries in the Schengen area are: 

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not within the Schengen area, and therefore EES is not applicable when travelling to either of these countries.

Requirements 

• When EES is introduced, when travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.
• You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
• After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.  ​
• EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.

Travelling to EU from Dover/Folkestone/Eurostar – see EU Entry/Exit System – GOV.UK 

• Entering the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
• For frequent travel to the Schengen area for work and/or leisure purposes, ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. You must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual Member State you plan to travel to, or through.
• The digital EES record is valid for 3 years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.

Exemptions to EES 

Some UK nationals are exempt from EES. The full list of exemptions is available on the EU’s official Travel Europe website. These travellers should not register for EES. Instead, upon arrival at the border, they should present their exemption documentation to a border guard.

Don’t miss the latest news. Subscribe to our weekly summary email, The Fencing Digest, including the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.