Logistics UK responds as government launches EU border changes campaign

September 16, 2025

4 min read

The EES replaces manual passport stamping with a biometric and data-driven process. It impacts non-EU travellers visiting for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, affecting holidays, short business trips, and cross-border travel in the Schengen Area.

Logistics UK's Policy Manager – Trade, Customs and Borders Josh Fenton said: "Logistics UK welcomes any initiative by the government to increase awareness of the European Entry and Exit System (EES).

"However, the system, which will see passengers fingerprinted on entry to the EU, requires robust testing of IT systems and without the availability of an App to facilitate registration away from the border, then costly disruption and delays at peak passenger periods are inevitable for hauliers and GB EU trade.

“Analysis we have undertaken with independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal show that even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million pa.

"This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.

“It is vital for our sector that the UK government maintains close conversation with its European counterparts to ensure that the test of Member State readiness has, at its core, the smooth flow of freight and trade across the Channel; a critical GB EU supply chain route."

Countries adopting the EES include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The Republic of Ireland does not have EES, as it is not a Schengen Zone country.

Upon first arrival after the launch, travellers will be required to provide biometric data – usually a scan of fingerprints and/or a facial photograph at border control. Passport officers may ask visitors to register details at a self-service kiosk or, where available, through a mobile app. Those aged under 12 will only need a photo taken.

After initial registration, future crossings should be quicker, as passport control will simply verify stored data. E-passport holders can use self-service gates, identified by a small gold camera logo on the passport. Repeat registration will be required after three years from first registration.

However, additional time should be budgeted for possible queues and registration steps, especially during peak travel for Eurotunnel and Port of Dover crossings.

Looking ahead, the autumn of 2026 is set to herald another major change: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS will require British visitors and other visa-exempt nationals to apply online for authorisation before travelling to participating countries.

The authorisation costs £17.30 (or €20) and is valid for up to three years, or until the passport expires. Applications can be completed online, and those under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.

ETIAS authorisation must be linked to a valid passport and does not guarantee entry. Border officers retain the right to request relevant documents and check entry conditions on arrival.

Travel professionals recommend allowing extra time for border procedures when heading to Europe, especially as the new system beds in. Registration may be streamlined via self-service machines or apps, but delays are possible while the scheme is rolled out.

From late 2026, Britons should be ready to pay for and apply for ETIAS authorisation before travel. Frequent EU visitors and those with new passports will need to ensure their authorisation is current and linked to their latest document.

As millions of trips are expected to be affected by both the EES and ETIAS in the next year, checking official requirements and building additional time into travel plans is essential for seamless journeys.