Cruising in Europe: Changes at the Border

If you’re soon to be setting sail on a cruise, you may have heard reports of new border controls coming into force when visiting EU/Schengen area countries.

In particular, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which began rollout back in October 2025, and the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch towards the end of 2026.

But what are EES and ETIAS? How will they impact my cruise? These are all important questions to get answered, and we are here to help! In this guide, we answer your questions about these new systems and hope to give you peace of mind in time for your next cruise.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

In short, the EES is an electronic border control system that is being introduced by the European Union (EU). The new system is to help improve security and modernise border checks – removing the need of a physical stamp in your passport, with your passage in and out of participating EU/Schengen countries being recorded electronically instead.

Additionally, when your passport is checked at the border, a photograph of your face and, if you are over 12 years old, your fingerprints will be scanned too.

Who does the EES apply to?

The EU have advised that the EES will apply to all travellers who are:

Travelling from a “third country” (non-EU/Schengen citizens)
Visiting an EU/Schengen Area country.
Staying for a short holiday or business trip (trips less than 90 days, within 180 days).

However, Irish passport holders and those with an EU residency visa will not need to do the EES checks.

When Does the EES Come into Force?

The EES is being rolled out in phases since October 2025 and is due to be completed by 10th April 2026.

Some media outlets have been reporting that the EES will not be fully integrated until September 2026; however, according to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), the EES will be fully operational by the originally planned April date.

Will EES Checks be Required for Cruises?

Whether you need to complete any EES checks will depend on where your cruise starts and ends.

If your European cruise starts and ends at a UK port, then you will not need to complete any EES checks. You will not even need to complete them when you dock for day trips, which are part of your cruise itinerary.

However, if your cruise starts or ends in an EU/Schengen country, you will likely need to complete the EES checks when you come to enter or exit the country.

For instance, if you are flying to Spain to start your cruise, you will be required to complete the EES checks as you enter the country. Alternatively, if your cruise started at a UK port but ended in Portugal, you will need to complete the EES checks as you board your flight back home to the UK.

What does this mean for passport control?

If you are heading on a cruise that starts and ends in the UK, then the EES checks shouldn’t have too much of an impact on your holiday. However, if your cruise does start or end in an EU/Schengen Area country, then there are a few things to be aware of.

For instance, it is likely that passport control will take a little longer than you may have previously experienced. As such, make sure you consider potential unexpected delays when entering or exiting an EU country.

Additionally, you can expect to be asked questions about your trip, such as where you are staying, how long you are visiting and what your reason for travel Whilst it is not unusual to be asked questions at the border, these will be asked electronically when completing the EES checks.

What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorisation document, similar to the USA’s ESTA and the UK’s ETA schemes. Travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS when visiting an EU/Schengen Area.

When Does the ETIAS Come into Force?

There is no official date for when the ETIAS will come into force; however, the EU have advised that it will be implemented towards the end of 2026.

Who Needs an ETIAS?

Just like the EES, ETIAS will apply to those who are:

Travelling from a “third country” (non-EU/Schengen citizens)
Visiting an EU/Schengen Area country.
Staying for a short holiday or business trip (trips less than 90 days, within a 180-day period).

Again, you will not need an ETIAS if you are travelling on an Irish passport or if you have an EU residency visa.

Will I need an ETIAS if I am on a Cruise?

Unlike the EES, where special considerations have been made for cruise itinerary stops in the EU/Schengen areas, you will need to obtain an ETIAS for all European cruises that either start or end, or dock (as part of your cruise itinerary) in an EU/Schengen Area port.

However, you do not need to worry about obtaining an ETIAS until the EU states that it is required, which is looking to be by the end of 2026.

The City Of Valetta, Malta, Lit Up At Night

How Do I Apply for an ETIAS?

When the ETIAS is live, you will be able to apply for one on the EU’s website. Whilst the site is available, it is not currently operational to obtain an ETIAS just yet. You can visit the site by visiting: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.

Each traveller in your party will need an ETIAS. For instance, if you and your partner are heading on a Nordic cruise, both of you will need to apply for an ETIAS. Alternatively, if you and your partner are taking your children on a cruise around Spain, you will need to obtain an ETIAS for both you and your partner and all your children, who are going.

Is there a Fee for an ETIAS?

Each ETIAS is expected to cost €20. However, those under 18 or aged 71 and over will not be charged. Additionally, some individuals may be exempt from paying for other reasons. You can learn more about who is exempt here.

How long will my ETIAS be valid for?

An ETIAS is expected to last for three years, during which you will be able to travel on multiple holidays or cruises on the same ETIAS.

However, as your ETIAS is linked to your passport, should your passport expire, or if the details of your passport change, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS, as it will no longer be valid.

Furthermore, if your ETIAS is due to expire whilst you are away, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS before you start your journey.

How Long Before My Holiday, Should I Apply for My ETIAS?

Whilst the ETIAS is not yet live, the EU have advised that most ETIAS applications will be processed within a few minutes. However, they have also noted that the application could take up to 30 days. As such, it’s probably best to apply for one at least 30 days before your cruise, just in case.

What Information Will I Be Asked for when applying?

The EU have advised that you will be required to provide:

Personal information, such as Name, Address, etc. They have also noted that you may need to answer questions about your parents, too.
Passport details, such as passport number, expiry, etc.
Information about your Employment/Education.
Reasons for travel (holiday/business).

Additionally, be expected to answer questions about any criminal convictions, past travel to war or conflict zones and any decisions requiring you to leave the territory of any country.

Don’t forget that your ETIAS is tied to your current passport. As such, make sure any information you supply matches the information found in your passport. For instance, if you have recently married, make sure the name entered matches the name on your passport.

Will the EES and ETIAS Impact my Cruise Travel Insurance?

The EES should not impact your cruise insurance, as the EES is all about new electronic checks conducted at passport/border control.

However, when the ETIAS comes into force, it will be a mandatory travel requirement, like a visa. Most travel insurance policies will not provide cover if you have failed to obtain the correct documentation needed for travel. This means that travelling without a valid ETIAS (once in force) could mean you are not covered.

Finally, as we get closer to the ETIAS rollout date, UK travel insurance providers will likely update their policy documents to include any new terms that may relate to ETIAS. For now, there isn’t anything to worry about.

With change on the horizon, the EES will have little or no impact on European cruises that start and end in the UK. However, for cruises that start or end in the EU, you may find that passport control might take a little longer than expected when entering or exiting the country.

Additionally, with ETIAS not coming until the end of 2026, you will not need to worry about this for your summer-holiday European cruises. However, when an ETIAS is mandatory, you can easily apply for one online.

As always, a little preparation can go a long way, so make sure you have the right cruise travel insurance for your next cruise – and get the peace of mind you deserve.

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