If you are a UK passport holder, you need to pay attention, as major changes are set to kick in from October. Before you jet off abroad, you need to be clued up on the travel adjustments
UK passport holders have been issued an alert as major changes are set to kick in from October, and it comes just after another passport warning was issued just days ago. If you’re travelling this year, or planning a holiday for next year, there are some changes you need to know about and they’re set to be put in place soon.
The essential travel advice was recently brought to people’s attention by Sam Ward, known as samwardsays on TikTok, who alerts people to such news online. In a recent clip, he urged people to get to grips with the new rules, as it will impact how people travel to and from the UK.
While it may not be what people want to hear, Brits have been warned the changes could result in longer airport queues. Not to worry though, as a travel expert has shared advice on how you can try and beat them.
Sam said: “From October 2025, if you’re travelling from the UK to Europe, your passport experience is about to change. Here’s what you need to know.
“The EU is finally launching its Entry/Exit system, known as EES. Every UK traveller entering or leaving the Schengen area will be digitally recorded. That means at the border, you’ll give your passport, have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned the first time you use the system.
“EES starts on October 12, 2025, but it won’t be everywhere at once. There will be a transition period until April 2026, where some airports will still stamp passports while the system is phased in.
“After that, stamping should be replaced by these digital checks. This only applies to the Schengen zone though – which is most of the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.
“Ireland and Cyprus are not included so those border rules will stay the same. It could mean longer queues at first as everyone gets used to fingerprints and face scans so, if you’ve got a European trip planned after October, give yourself some extra time at the airport, and make sure you’re ready for the new checks when you land at the other airport.”
Earlier this month, the UK Government issued advice to help people learn more about the changes. It confirmed that from October 12, the EU will introduce EES for UK and non-EU nationals, travelling for a short stay. EES has been described as an “automated system” that will need travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photographs taken.
It will be a requirement when travelling to Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. However, it will not be needed when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.
When British travellers first visit a participating country after EES is introduced, they will need to register. This registration will then be valid for a rolling three-year period, or until the person’s passport expires.
The website states: “Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but, under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.
“On exit, and for subsequent entries and exits to or from a participating country, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either their fingerprints or a photograph at the border.
“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.
“For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK.”
To find out more information about how the changes may impact you, visit the Government website.