EU Entry and Exit System (EES)
Between now and April 10th, 2026 the EU will be rolling out the so-called Entry and Exit System (EES) to better facilitate travel within the Schengen Area and beyond using biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition). The implications for school travel into the EU might well include extended queuing times to pass through customs of your port of entry into the EU while passport control officials implement these checks on incoming visitors. Please adjust your plans and risk assessments accordingly, especially if your party includes students who have physical conditions or are on the neurodiverse pathway which might result in uncomfortable responses triggered by extended periods standing in queues. As far as we know there will be no ‘fast tracking’ or other considerations for schools entering the EU where the EES is being implemented. The ABTA web pages accessed via the link below contains further information and might be useful, and of course consult with your travel company/provider, if you are using one.