EES · 5 November 2026

EES for UK travellers: Dover, Eurostar and flights

Since Brexit, UK citizens are non-EU visitors. EES applies to every trip, and at the Channel crossings the checks happen before you leave the UK.

By Kelly Kap · · 2 min read

Why UK travellers feel EES first

At the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone and Eurostar at St Pancras, French border checks take place on British soil. That means your EES registration also happens there, before departure.

By car via Dover or Folkestone

By Eurostar

Registration happens in the station, before the train. Allow extra time on your first trip and check your operator’s latest advice on arrival times.

By air

You register on arrival at your first Schengen airport. If you are connecting onwards, book a longer layover on your first trip.

And ETIAS?

UK citizens will need ETIAS once it launches, expected in 2027. Nothing to do yet. Read the latest on ETIAS.

Quick checklist

FAQ

Where do I register for EES when driving via Dover?

At the port, before you board, at the French border controls on British soil.

Do passengers in the car have to register?

Yes. Everyone in the vehicle registers on their first crossing.

Does the GHIC replace travel insurance?

No. It covers state healthcare only.

Does EES or ETIAS apply to you?

Choose your nationality and get your checklist in ten seconds.

Open the checklist

Sources

Last checked

Keep reading

ETIAS · 2 min read ETIAS delayed to 2027: what we know so far ETIAS will not start in 2026. What changed, what is still unclear, and what it means for your trips to Europe next year. EES · 2 min read Your first EES registration, step by step What happens at the border the first time you enter Europe under EES: kiosks, fingerprints, photo and the questions you may get. Planning · 2 min read The 90/180-day rule, explained with examples How the Schengen 90/180-day rule works, why EES now counts your days automatically, and three examples to avoid an overstay.