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After the UK’s exit from the EU in 2021, all UK nationals are only permitted to spending a limit of 90 days in the EU within an 180 day time period. This limit applies to both leisure and permitted work journeys. This is measured across the whole Schengen area rather than 1 specific country.
What is the Schengen Area?
Most European countries are part of the Schengen area. These countries have abolished the interal border controls, allowing people to move freely between the member states without having passport checks at the border. This allows economic intergration and tourism to flourish across Europe.
As of 2025 there are 29 European Countries that have abloshed their internal border controls. 25 Countries are EU member states including Bulgaria & Romania that fully joined the Schengen area in January 2025.
There are 4 Non EU members; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switerland.
Cyprus although an EU member is currently outside the Schengen area
The EU is expected to start monitoring EES this October. The system will electronically record all entries and exits into the Schengen area and will provide an automated calculation of the total time spent in Schengen.
The roll out of the system will be phased and overtime will replace the stamping of passports as we know it. All entrants including Drivers wil be required to scan their passport, fingerprints and/or take a photo of their face.
If a driver exceeds the 90 days limit in a 180 day period they will be flagged by the system. Which risks them being turned around at the border.
Department of Transport Recommendations
- Revew the schedules of UK national drivers travelling regularly into the Schengen Area to ensure compliance
- Brief Relevant staff on upcoming EES system and it’s implications
- Monitor updates from the Government regarding EU’s EES roll-out at the guideance link below.
The Department of transport is working closely with port, travel operatots and EU partners to minimise disruptions.
Further guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area