EES border controls to launch soon: we answer your questions
We look at queries about e-gate usage visitors, spouses of French citizens and foreign residents and visa holders
The system will launch on October 12, 2025
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The Schengen Zone’s new automated border check - the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) - will come into force starting from October 12, 2025.
The new system for non-EU nationals will be phased in, and it may take up to six months for all entry and exit border points and all relevant visitors to be subject to the rules.
Not all border points will use the system from October 12, but coach passengers at Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal will use the system from the first day.
These, alongside the Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras, are the three UK border-points affected by the system.
Travellers from all other UK airports and ports will interact with the system after arriving at the French (or other Schengen Zone) entry point.
Six months after full implementation the EU will also start to implement an online travel authorisation system called Etias for visa-exempt nationals.
The Connexion has received many questions on this topic, which we have divided into two sections.
General questions, as well as those from visitors (those without a French or EU residency card):
Questions for residency card holders and people living in France:
Below are more useful articles about EES and ETIAS:
Do you have a question about the EES? Ask us via questions@connexionfrance.com and we will answer a selection in future articles
