The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU’s new digital border‑control system for non‑EU visitors entering the Schengen area for short stays.
It replaces manual passport stamping with an electronic record that logs your passport details, the date and place you enter and leave, and, on first use, your biometrics (face photo and usually fingerprints).
EES applies to most UK holidaymakers visiting Schengen countries such as Spain, France and Italy, and automatically counts days against the 90‑in‑180 rule, flagging suspected overstays.
It does not apply when travelling to non‑Schengen countries like the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus.
Five destinations to avoid border control queues
Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Ireland is in the EU but not in Schengen, so trips to Dublin fall outside EES. You still clear normal passport control, but you avoid the new biometric registration and potential EES queues. It works as an easy weekend from Stansted with familiar city‑break comforts: pubs, live music, galleries and coastal walks.
Other Irish airports (Cork, Shannon, Knock)
Like Dublin, these Irish hubs are EES‑free because the Republic of Ireland has not joined Schengen.
For travellers based in the East of England, they offer quieter, more regional breaks – from Cork’s food scene and harbour to the Wild Atlantic Way coastlines served by Shannon and Knock – without going through the EES system.
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus is another EU member state that sits outside Schengen, so holidays there are not covered by EES.
You still have standard passport checks, but no biometric EES enrolment on arrival.
In return you get classic fly‑and‑flop sunshine, beaches and resort towns that feel every bit as Mediterranean as Spain or Greece.
Tirana, Albania
Albania is a non‑EU, non‑Schengen country, which means no EES at the border.
UK visitors pass through Albanian passport control only.
Tirana has pitched itself as a lively, good‑value capital with cafés, colourful architecture and easy access to the country’s beaches and mountains.
Podgorica, Montenegro
Montenegro also sits outside the Schengen system, so EES does not apply.
Podgorica is the inland capital, while Tivat and nearby Kotor open up the country’s fjord‑like bay and Adriatic coastline.
It’s a strong option for people who want dramatic scenery and warm weather without joining the Schengen queues.