On the 12th October 2025 there are changes happening which may affect you when travelling into Europe. How does the EES System affect me? Let’s simplify it.
What is the EES?
The EES is a Entry and Exit system for the EU. It means that non-EU citizens, including UK residents, will need to register at point of entry into the area, have fingerprints taken and have a facial photo scan. This essentially creates a digital record of you, replacing manual passport stamping. This is starting on a small scale on October 12th 2025 with full implementation by April 10th 2026.
How long will in take?
It is being suggested that the EES System may only take a few minutes, however with all new systems there are bound to be glitches and queues may build at Passport Control. Once you have done this for the first time, it will make future entries more efficient.
When you reach Passport Control, you will be asked to present your passport as normal, then be asked to scan your fingerprints and have a facial photo taken. You may also be asked where you are staying and prove that you have a return trip scheduled so have these documents ready to provide and not stowed away in your main luggage!
You DO NOT need to register in advance!
Don’t panic! This is all completed at border control. You do NOT have to register in advance or pay any fee’s.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes the following countries for a total of up to 90 days in any 180 day period: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Speedy Boarding?
We are fans of speedy boarding and priority boarding – this may be the key to avoid large passport control queues. Generally if you are sitting on the first few rows on a plane you should be first to reach Passport Control, so consider this if you have a tight schedule – it could save you quite a bit of time.
More questions?
The latest official information regarding the EES system can be found here.
Who are Covert Football Trips?
We have confidence in building unrivalled Mystery Football Trips and are the original company to offer this type of trip. Our attention to detail is something we take extremely seriously and even go as far as bar/restaurant recommendations in your reveal pack (and sometimes even make bookings for you!)
Not only that, we love to get you involved. It may be that a higher quality hotel becomes available, and sometimes where the choice is available, we will ask if you want baggage extra’s added so that you are travelling in the way you would like. We are human and we can have a chat with you!
Head over to Trustpilot and see what other people are saying about their Mystery Football Weekend with Covert Football Trips whilst we have received great reviews on Google too!
