Entry exit system: new EES travel rules UK travellers should know

You may have been worried by some of the headlines in the news about the new Entry/Exit System (EES) regulations that come into effect on 12 October. Headlines telling you that you may get fined or denied entry if you don’t have the right documentation and so on.  

So let’s try and take the confusion and scaremongering out of it and give you the facts. 

The EES will automate the process of registering entries and exits at EU borders. So it’ll replace passport stamps. It will apply to all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area, including UK nationals. It’s being implemented from 12 October 2025 and will be in full flow in April 2026. 

The short answer is no. The only mandatory requirement is that you have biometric checks (face scans and fingerprints) for all but a few countries. But although you don’t legally need travel insurance to comply with the EES scheme, having a tailored travel insurance policy that fully meets your needs provides important financial protection for you and your holiday investment. 

Some reports suggest you could be asked if you have travel insurance at border control – and, if you don’t, you may risk being referred to a border control official for an inspection. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be denied entry for that reason, but why take that avoidable chance? Taking out a robust travel insurance policy will negate that possibility. 

When travelling to the EU or Schengen Area, there's the mandatory biometric checks mentioned above. That means fingerprints and face scans, which you can do in special booths at airports, train stations and ports. If you refuse those, you’ll be refused entry. These checks currently don’t apply if you’re travelling to Ireland, Switzerland, Norway or Iceland. 

On top of that, you may be asked why you’re travelling (e.g. leisure or business), where you’re going to be staying, proof that you hold a return ticket, and proof of funds. This has been the case since Brexit. You may also be asked to show proof of medical insurance.  

You’ll often be asked these questions in automated kiosks – but if you answer no to any of them, you may get referred to a border control official for further questioning.  

As mentioned, that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be denied entry, though; having a travel insurance policy isn’t a requirement for the EES scheme (though it may be required for other reasons – see the section below, “What about travel insurance if I’m visiting other countries?”, for example). 

There has been some confusion around whether needing "medical insurance" refers either to the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), a private health insurance policy, or a travel insurance policy

The last thing we want is for anyone to suffer unnecessary delays or, even worse, being stranded abroad without the appropriate medical cover. That’s why we’ve asked the UK government for clarity, and it’s why getting a travel insurance policy that includes medical cover and that caters for your needs will mean you aren’t left high and dry. Taking that precaution will mean you know you’re covered and you can relax. 

Your GHIC provides access to free or reduced-cost state healthcare within the EU, plus a small number of countries outside Europe, including Montenegro, Australia, St Helena and the Channel Islands.  

Although the GHIC offers the same level of  basic medical cover that locals receive, it’s limited – and it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. It doesn’t include private treatment, repatriation or emergency medical evacuation expenses, which are essential if you're unlucky enough to have a serious illness or accident abroad. Without travel insurance, you could be left thousands of pounds out of pocket. 

For example, our data shows that the cost of an emergency air ambulance from Spain can start at £45,000* and rise significantly depending on the country and the nature of the medical emergency. Without a robust travel insurance policy in place, you could be left to cover these costs yourself or remain stranded in a foreign hospital with no financial support. 

Some countries, such as Turkey, do require you to have travel insurance regardless. You'll also need it if you’re a non-British, non-EU traveller who’s entering the Schengen Area. You can check the UK government’s foreign travel advice to see the requirements of the country you’re visiting. 

It’s important to keep up to date with the latest news on the new EES. Although not currently a legal requirement, getting proper travel insurance will make sure you’re protected in many situations if things don’t go as planned – and it could make things less stressful as you enter the EU if or when the rules evolve.   

Get a quote with Staysure today – and travel confidently, knowing you’re protected. 

^{*Based on Staysure’s proprietary claims data from reports on repatriation costs from Spain, USA, Thailand and India in 2023 and 2024 and customer claims in 2024.}