If you thought border queues were unpredictable before, the EU’s new EES system may change your travel routine in surprising ways. But understanding what’s coming now will make life much easier when the system goes live.

A New Era at the Border

Imagine heading off for a quick trip to London, passport in hand, only to find new machines waiting at border control asking for facial scans and fingerprints. This is EES, the Entry/Exit System, a digital register designed to replace the familiar passport stamp and modernise the Schengen border experience.

The system will be introduced in phases, and while official launch dates have been announced, the exact experience may vary by airport, ferry port, or border crossing during the early rollout period.

What Exactly Is EES?

EES will record the entry and exit of non-EU travellers to and from the Schengen Area. For each first entry under the system, border control will collect:

• passport details
• a facial image
• four fingerprints

These biometric details are generally taken at the first entry and then reused for subsequent crossings. In some cases, border officers may ask to reconfirm or update the data.

The system is designed to tighten security, reduce overstays, and eventually speed up travel. However, during the initial rollout, longer queues are expected as travellers and border staff adapt to the new process.

Do Legal Residents in France Need to Register?

This is the question many people are asking, and the answer is no, as long as you hold the correct documentation.

If you are a non-EU national living legally in France, meaning you have:

• a long-stay visa, or
• a residence permit (carte de séjour / titre de séjour),

then you are not treated as a short-stay visitor. Therefore, EES does not apply to you when you re-enter the Schengen Area.

However, you must travel with your residence permit and present it alongside your passport. If you forget it, border officers may assume you are a short-stay visitor, which could unintentionally place you within the EES system and complicate future travel.

This Will Apply to Visiting Family and Friends

If you have family or friends coming to France from:

• the UK
• the US
• Australia
• Canada
• or any other non-EU country,

then EES does apply to them.

They will go through the biometric process the first time they enter the EU after the system launches. This means arrival and border crossing times may be longer, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays.

Useful Information for Gîte Owners and Hosts

If you run a gîte, chambre d’hôtes, holiday rental, or frequently host visitors from outside the EU, understanding EES is extremely helpful.

Your guests may ask:

• “Why was I asked for fingerprints at the airport?”
• “Do I need to register before I travel?”
• “Will this affect my return trip?”

Knowing the basics means you can reassure them:

• No pre-registration is required.
• Biometrics are taken at the border, usually only at first entry.
• This applies to all non-EU visitors, regardless of purpose of stay.
• It does not apply to residents with a valid residence permit.

Being informed can make the arrival process smoother and reduce stress for both hosts and guests.

What Travel Will Look Like Day-to-Day

For non-EU visitors (and for residents travelling without their residence permit), the EES process generally includes:

• scanning your passport
• having your face photographed
• placing four fingers on a scanner
• answering a brief question if required

Airports, ferry ports, and Eurotunnel terminals will all use this system. Residents should still expect some knock-on effects, such as longer queues during busy travel periods, even if they themselves are not subject to EES.

What Travel Will Look Like Day-to-Day

EES marks a major change in how Europe manages its borders. For those living legally in France, the good news is simple: you are not required to register, as long as your residence permit is valid and presented at the border.

For friends, family, and holiday guests visiting from outside the EU, EES will become a routine part of their travel experience.

If you are unsure how EES interacts with your residency status, visa, or upcoming travel plans, getting clear guidance in advance can save time and stress at the border. Our team supports English speakers in France with practical, up-to-date advice so you can travel with confidence.

Are you ready for EES, and do you feel confident explaining it to visitors?

Quick EES FAQ

Do I need to register online before travelling?

No. There is no pre-registration for EES. All data is collected directly at the border when you first enter the Schengen Area.

Will I be fingerprinted every time I travel?

In most cases, no. Biometrics are usually taken at your first entry and reused for future crossings, unless border authorities need to update or verify the information.

Does EES apply to children?

Yes. EES applies to all non-EU travellers, including children, although fingerprinting requirements may vary depending on age.

What happens if a French resident forgets their residence permit?

Border officers may treat the traveller as a short-stay visitor, which could result in them being registered in the EES system and cause complications later. Always travel with your residence permit.

Will EES affect travel within the Schengen Area?

No. EES is only checked when entering or exiting the Schengen Area. It does not apply to travel between Schengen countries.

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