Published: October 2025
Category: Driving & Towing Abroad | Travel Guidance
If you’re planning to drive or tow a caravan or trailer across Europe, there’s an important new rule you need to be aware of.
From 12 October 2025, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched — changing how UK citizens enter and leave the Schengen Zone, which includes popular destinations such as France, Spain, Italy and Germany.
This new digital system replaces traditional passport stamping and introduces biometric border checks, affecting all non-EU travellers, including British motorists towing caravans, trailers, or horseboxes.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a digital border control system that records when non-EU citizens enter or leave the Schengen area.
Instead of stamping passports, border officers will now collect:
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✋ Fingerprints
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📸 A facial photograph
According to the European Commission, EES aims to:
✅ Strengthen border security
✅ Detect overstays beyond the 90/180-day rule
✅ Speed up passport control
✅ Modernise and automate Schengen border checks
How the EES Works for UK Drivers and Towing Travellers
When travelling from the UK into the EU, your passport will be scanned and biometric data captured at the border — no pre-registration or fee required.
Once your digital EES record is created, it’s valid for three years (unless your passport changes).
On departure, your exit is recorded to ensure compliance with stay limits.
During the first few months of rollout, drivers towing caravans or trailers may experience slightly longer processing times at busy border points such as Dover, Folkestone, Calais, Dunkirk, and Eurotunnel terminals.
What the EES Means for UK Caravanners and Trailer Owners
Planning a European touring holiday or business trip with a trailer? Here’s what you should expect:
🚗 At Ports & Eurotunnel:
Complete biometric registration before boarding. Check operator advice for arrival times and procedures.
📷 Biometric Checks:
Your fingerprints and facial photo will be taken on your first trip after October 2025.
🕒 Allow Extra Time:
Processing may take longer during peak travel seasons, especially with caravans or trailers.
💡 Digital Record Validity:
Once created, your EES record remains valid for three years — making future crossings quicker.
🧾 No Advance Sign-Up or Fees:
Everything happens automatically at border control.
Which Countries Are Covered by the EES?
The EES applies to all Schengen Area countries, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
❌ It does not apply to Ireland or Cyprus, where British travellers follow different entry rules.
How Long Can You Stay in the EU?
The 90/180-day rule remains unchanged.
UK travellers can stay within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The EES will automatically monitor entries and exits to ensure compliance. Frequent caravanners or trailer users should track their days carefully to avoid overstaying.
Official Travel Advice for UK Motorists
Before setting off, always check official government guidance:
🔗 UK Government Foreign Travel Advice
🔗 European Commission – EES Overview
These resources include updates on ETIAS, which will launch in 2026 to complement the EES.
At Towing Solutions, we want every driver towing a caravan or trailer in Europe to be safe, legal and confident.
✅ Ensure your vehicle and trailer are roadworthy and compliant with EU lighting and load regulations
✅ Check that your insurance and breakdown cover extend to Europe
✅ Carry mandatory safety items: warning triangle, reflective vests, spare bulbs, GB/UK sticker and first-aid kit
✅ Know your trailer weight limits and ensure correct load distribution
✅ Allow extra time at ports while EES systems are introduced
For hands-on towing safety training or trailer maintenance courses, see our full IMI-approved course list:
👉 https://towing-solutions.co.uk
Summary: EES 2025 – Key Points for UK Caravanners and Drivers
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The EU Entry/Exit System launched 12 October 2025
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UK citizens must provide fingerprints and a facial photo at entry and exit
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Digital records remain valid for three years
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Applies to all Schengen countries (except Ireland and Cyprus)
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Expect longer border checks during rollout
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Ideal for caravanners and trailer users to plan extra travel time
The EES marks a major step towards digital border management in Europe. With the right preparation, your next caravan or trailer journey across the Channel can still be smooth and stress-free.
Learn More
For towing safety, servicing, and training courses across the UK, visit:
👉 https://towing-solutions.co.uk
For the latest official border updates, visit:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice