Important Travel Information – New EU Border Checks (EES)
A quick update for our overseas travellers.
At Jones Holidays, we want every part of your journey to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible — from the moment you book to the moment you arrive home.
In October, a new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced, which means there will be a few changes when travelling from the UK into Europe.
Don’t worry — it’s nothing to be concerned about! We’ve put together a simple guide below, so you know what to expect.
Key Dates to Remember
The new EES checks will start rolling out at UK ports this autumn:
- From 12 October 2025 – EES checks will begin at Dover Port for coach passengers.
- From 1 November 2025 – The same checks will also apply to car, motorbike, and foot passengers.
If you’re travelling on other routes, such as Hull–Rotterdam or Harwich–Hook of Holland, your EES checks will take place on arrival in the EU after you’ve disembarked. Staff will be on hand to guide you through the process.
What the New System Involves
When the EES comes into effect, British passport holders will need to do the following the first time you travel into the EU after launch:
- Scan your passport
- Have your fingerprints taken
- Have a photo taken
This information will then be stored securely for future trips, so you won’t need to repeat it each time you travel.
Our Top Tip for a Smooth Journey
To help things run as smoothly as possible, we recommend checking your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date.
Here’s What to Expect at Dover
From 12 October 2025, all Jones Holidays coaches travelling through Dover will follow the new Coach Processing procedure at Dover Western Docks.
Here’s how it will work:
- All coaches will stop at the Western Docks Coach Processing Terminal before sailing.
- Passengers will get off the coach and go through EES checks using one of 24 self-service kiosks inside the terminal.
- Once everyone is processed and back on board, the coach will be sealed.
- It’s very important that the driver doesn’t open the door until the coach has passed Border Control at the Eastern Docks — if the seal is broken, the coach will have to return to be reprocessed.
- After sealing, the coach will continue to the Eastern Docks along a designated route.
A new shortcut road to the A20 is also planned, though this won’t be ready straight away. The procedure will still go ahead from 12 October 2025, even if all EES technology isn’t yet fully rolled out.
A Final Word from the Jones Team
We know this sounds like a lot of change, but please rest assured — our team, drivers, and travel partners will all be on hand to guide you every step of the way.
As always, we’ll make sure your holiday starts with a smile, not a queue.
So, pack your bags, bring your passport, and let’s look forward to another year of unforgettable European adventures together.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Jones Holidays team — we’re always happy to help.
📞 01352 733292
📧 sales@jonesholidays.co.uk
🌐 www.jonesholidays.co.uk
