EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Set to Launch 12 October
15 Sep 2025
Posted By Paul Mummery
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is coming into operation from 12 October. It’s a new automated IT system which will be gradually rolled out, replacing the manual stamping of passports for non-EU visitors.
This is relevant to hauliers and coach operators on international work, and for the latter, their passengers.
Our International Group Manager, Heather Wallace joined other Kent EES Planning Group members at Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal as the site is being prepared for the new arrangements. This includes for HGVs and coaches.
It's anticipated both coach and freight will go through the EES process from the 12 October go live date, but this may be subject to French border officials’ staffing availability. Other tourist traffic is due to be phased in from 1 November but this has to be confirmed.
Freight drivers with UK passports will be filtered into a dedicated UK lane, where vehicles will pass through UK passport control and to the French booths where EES biometrics will be dealt with by their officials before their passports are scanned.
Coaches will go to a new coach parking area on arrival where passengers will disembark and head into a reception area where they will be processed for leaving the UK.
They will reboard their coaches and move to the French coach terminal, where the EES biometric formalities will take place by the French authorities and passports will be scanned.
European countries using EES will phase this new system in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026. This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods.
British travellers need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
We continue to work with our fellow stakeholders to ensure the needs of operators are fully appreciated and will update in due course.
More information on the Government website: