EU Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks
The European Union's digital Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place at passport control. When you travel to a country in the EU Schengen area, you may undergo a biometric check on arrival and departure, with a facial photo and/or a fingerprint scan at the border.
How these checks affect your cruise depends on how you are travelling to Europe.
No EES border checks for cruises from the UK with EU port calls
Flying into Europe? There may be a wait at the EU border
Understanding the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks
Who is affected and is there a cost?
British passport holders and other non-EU nationals entering the European Union.
There's no cost and nothing to prepare, as all registrations and checks take place at the border.
The Entry/Exit System border checks should not apply when visiting a port during a round-trip cruise to Europe that starts and ends in the UK.
What happens during EES border checks?
The first time you enter the EU after these checks were enforced, you'll register your passport details and a photo and/or a fingerprint scan at the border.
To keep things moving at the border, keep your passport to hand and remove hats/glasses before your turn.
Once registered, you'll scan your face or fingerprints each time you enter or exit an EU country to verify your existing profile.
How will this affect my holiday?
As the new system settles in and many travellers register their biometric data for the first time, some queues may be unavoidable. Local authorities continue to work on improving flow through the terminals.
If you've booked a fly-cruise with us, our airport transfers will get you to your ship, even if there's a wait at the border.
What is ETIAS and will I need a visa to enter the EU?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an upcoming travel authorisation requirement for travellers visiting the European Union, currently due to come into effect in the last quarter of 2026.
In the near future, British nationals and those from other visa-exempt countries travelling to the EU must have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation prior to sailing with P&O Cruises for all itineraries that include an EU port.
Your ETIAS travel authorisation will grant you visa-free travel to countries in the EU for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
As with all visa and passport requirements, applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation is the responsibility of the travelling guest.
ETIAS is not currently in operation, so there is nothing to apply for before you travel. For any guests sailing to the EU, further information will be communicated in due course as it becomes available. For more information, please click here.
Still need help?
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