EES and ETIAS: travel information for UK visitors to the French Alps
If you are travelling from the United Kingdom to France, Switzerland or another Schengen country, new European border systems may affect your journey. Here is what UK visitors should know before travelling to the French Alps.
Information checked: 16 October 2026. Entry requirements can change. Always check the official links below before you travel.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EU Entry/Exit System is a digital border system that records entries, exits and refusals of entry for many non-EU visitors making short stays in participating European countries. EES replaced passport stamping for covered travellers. It has been fully operational at participating external border crossings since 10 April 2026.
France and Switzerland use EES. This matters if you fly from the UK to Geneva Airport or a French airport: border checks take place when you enter the Schengen area, before continuing to your resort.
Does EES apply to UK travellers?
In general, EES applies to UK passport holders visiting participating countries for a short stay, whether or not they need a visa. A short stay is normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the participating countries.
Some travellers are exempt, including certain people with residence permits or residence cards, and people travelling on a long-stay visa. The rules depend on your status and documents, so check the official EES guidance if you may be exempt.
EES is based on your nationality and immigration status, not simply where you live. For example, a UK resident travelling on an EU passport is treated differently from a UK passport holder.
What happens at the border?
When crossing an external border, you may be asked to:
- present your passport or other travel document;
- have your photograph taken;
- provide fingerprints, if required.
For visa-exempt travellers, EES records a facial image and fingerprints. Children under 12 do not have fingerprints scanned, though a facial image may be taken. If you hold a short-stay visa, your fingerprints are already held in the Visa Information System and are not stored again in EES.
You do not need to apply for EES or pay a registration fee. Follow the instructions given by border staff and allow extra time for checks, especially during busy arrival periods. Refusing required biometric checks can result in refusal of entry.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors travelling to participating European countries for a short stay. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
As of 16 October 2026, ETIAS is not yet in operation and applications are not being accepted. The EU says it is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 and will announce the exact launch date in advance. Most UK passport holders will need ETIAS once it becomes operational, unless an exemption applies.
When applications open, apply only through the official EU website or official app. Do not pay a website claiming to process ETIAS applications before the system opens. Check the official ETIAS site for the current fee, eligibility, exemptions and application instructions.
How can EES affect your airport transfer?
EES is a border-control process and is not managed by GO IZIPIZI. Biometric registration and queues may take additional time before you leave the airport.
We monitor flight information for booked airport pickups. Please check your booking confirmation for the applicable meeting instructions and included waiting time. If you experience an unusual delay or cannot find your driver, contact us using the number in your confirmation. The transfer waiting-time and no-show terms in your booking remain applicable.
Before you travel
- Check your passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route.
- Keep within the short-stay limit of 90 days in any 180-day period, if it applies to you.
- Allow extra time at the airport for border checks and baggage collection.
- Check whether an ETIAS authorisation is required for your travel date; it is not available yet as of 16 October 2026.
- Use official information: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) · EU ETIAS · UK Government travel advice for France.
This page provides general travel information, not individual immigration advice. Border authorities make all admission decisions.