Eurostar Border Requirements: EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. EES is a digital border control system for eligible non-EU nationals traveling for short stays in the Schengen Area, including UK citizens. It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic records and biometric registration. It applies to non-EU nationals traveling to the EU for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
Who does EES apply to?
EES applies to eligible non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, travelling between London and countries in the Schengen Area on Eurostar.
What happens at border control?
When traveling with Eurostar, you may be required to complete EES registration as part of the border control process.
Depending on your journey, border authorities may collect the following:
- Your passport details
- A facial image
- Fingerprints
These details are securely stored in the EES system and replace the traditional passport stamp.
EES registration on Eurostar
For journeys between London and the Schengen Area, EES registration is completed during the border control process.
- Some Eurostar Premier travelers may be invited by station staff to use a pre-registration kiosk before reaching border control.
- For journeys departing London and Paris, pre-registration kiosks may be available.
- At other Eurostar stations, EES registration is completed at the manual border control booths.
When should I arrive at the station?
Please arrive at the station at the recommended time shown on your ticket.
This allows enough time to complete all required pre-departure checks, including:
- Ticket inspection
- Security screening
- Passport and border checks
- Any EES registration required during border control
Arriving at the recommended time helps ensure you have sufficient time to complete all travel formalities before departure.
Do I need to register every time I travel?
Yes. Eligible travelers must complete the required EES procedures each time they enter or leave the Schengen Area. Border authorities will verify your travel documents and biometric information during every border crossing.
To find out more about EES, visit the official EES website.