EU Entry / Exit Scheme (EES)

EU Entry / Exit Scheme (EES)

Important Update: EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) Launched on 12 October 2025

Good news for UK Cruises
  1. If your cruise starts and ends in the UK, you won’t need to register for the new EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES).
  2. Even better, when you step ashore for the day in European ports, you won’t need to do anything extra. Just enjoy your time ashore!
Flying to join your cruise?
  1. If you're joining us on a Fly Cruise in 2026 you may be impacted.
  2. If you haven’t travelled to the Schengen area since the launch of EES, or haven't been registered even if you have, (or have received a new Passport since registration, on arrival at destination you’ll be required to provide mandatory biometric data at Boarder Control.
What is the EES?
  1. The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) to modernise border checks.
  2. Instead of manual passport stamping, travellers will eventually use biometric data (face and fingerprint) for entry and exit.
When is this happening?

  • Initial rollout started on 12 October 2025 in some EU countries.
  • Full rollout will be completed by 10 April 2026.
What to expect when EES is live

If you're flying in to or out of an EU country after rollout:
  • You'll be asked to provide biometric data at border control.
  • This is mandatory, without it, you won’t be able to travel.
Can I register my biometric data before travel?
  1. Not yet, but the EU is working on it. We’ll let you know if or when this becomes available.
Which countries are part of EES?
  1. The scheme will apply to travel in the following countries:
  2. 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, Switzerland.
Coming soon: ETIAS Visa Waiver
  1. In the future, the EU will also introduce ETIAS, a visa waiver for non-EU visitors (including UK travellers):
  2. Expected cost: around €20 per person
  3. Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires
  4. Must be purchased before travel
  5. This is not live yet—we’ll share more details when it is.
​
Related Articles:
  1. Click here to out more about our Fly Cruises and the exclusive FAQs
  2. Click here for more information on destination entry requirements


    • Related Articles

    • Passport, Visa and Europe Entry Exist Scheme (EES) Information

      UK Passport holders No matter where you’re heading in the world, we recommend that your passport: 1) Has more than six months validity left after the date of arrival into your destination countries. 2) Is less than 10 years old from the date of ...

    • Passport, Visa and Health Information

      Important travel document information for your cruise holiday To help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise, here’s what you need to know about passports and how to find the relevant information on visas and health advice for the ...

    • Do we have to go through immigration at each port on our cruise?

      Immigration at ports of call No need to worry about passing through immigration at every stop! Immigration officers will board the ship and carry out checks using the ship’s manifest. If you have any immigration requirements, the ship will notify ...

    • What is the Affinity Scheme?

      On board spend – Affinity Partners Scheme As part of the Affinity Partners Scheme, you will need to quote the relevant affinity code at the time of booking. You’ll then receive the following on board spend per person, based on the length of your ...

    • Can I go ashore independently?

      Independent exploration You’re free to explore most ports on your own once the ship has been cleared by customs and immigration. Your cruise fare includes all port taxes and charges, so you can get on and off the ship as often as you like while in ...