What UK Nationals Need to Know
The EU is set to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated border system that will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals, including British citizens.
The UK government updated its Living in Italy guidance at 1:37pm on 12 September 2025, confirming that EES will be introduced on 12 October 2025.
What is EES?
The system will record personal information of non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen area. Data collected will include:
- Name and passport details
- Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)
- Date and place of entry and exit
Once registered, the data will be held for three years. Travellers making repeat visits within that period will not need to re-register.
Who Needs to Register?
All British visitors to the EU will need to register under EES. However, those with residency rights are exempt. Instead, residents must show their residency documents as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement or Schengen Border Code.
In Italy, this means showing one of the documents listed in Annex 22 of the Schengen Border Code. For most UK nationals, this will be the Carta di soggiorno (residence card or permanent residence card).
If You Were Living in Italy Before 1 January 2021
If you were living in Italy before 1st January 2021, you should bear in mind the following.
- Carry your Italian residence document or frontier worker permit along with your valid passport.
- Your passport may still be stamped, but stamps are considered void if you can prove lawful residence.
- You do not need any additional passport validity beyond your travel dates if covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
Why a Carta di soggiorno matters
Although not mandatory in Italy, the UK government strongly advises obtaining a Carta di soggiorno. Without it, beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement may face long delays at borders when EES begins.
To apply, book an appointment at your local immigration office (Questura). Officials will collect your biometric data before issuing the card.
Further Information
The European Commission has published FAQs on EES, and UK nationals can also read official EU guidance on entering and leaving the Schengen area.
