If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, you’ve probably seen headlines about new EU travel rules – visas, fingerprint checks and more.
These schemes both have similar acronyms (EES and ETIAS) and can sound confusing to UK visitors.
Here’s what’s actually changed (and what hasn’t) for UK travellers in 2026 – including whether you need a visa and what to expect at the border.
UK to France travel rules: Do you need a visa to visit France?
UK citizens do not need a visa for short trips to France.
You can still:
- Visit for holidays
- Stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period
This includes trips to Disneyland Paris.
Do I need an EES to go to Paris?
The short answer, if you’re from outside the EU (including the UK) is yes.
The EU has introduced a new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires all European airports to carry out biometric checks on travellers.
Initially, implementation of the scheme was chaotic at certain airports, with UK families complaining of long waits at airports and borders.
However, while queues can still be lengthy and frustrating, things have eased slightly at some airports – including Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
Is EES active at Paris CDG?
Yes, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport is operating the EES scheme.
However, delays here have not been as busy as other popular UK tourist destinations, where travelling Brits are reporting lengthy and frustrating queues as they wait for the biometric checks.
This is because other airports – such as destinations in Spain and Portugal – can often see multiple UK flights departing at the same time, while at Paris CDG, flights to the UK can be more spread out.
While the EES checks themselves actually only take a minute or two for individual passengers, it’s still best to leave as much time as possible for them, as queues can be long.
What happens at the border:
- Your passport is scanned
- You may be asked to give fingerprints
- A photo is taken
This usually happens on your first trip, then your details are stored for future visits. However, UK passengers have reported that, at some European airports, these checks are being carried out multiple times, meaning they are having to join several different queues to get through border controls.
Where this happens (if you’re driving)
If you’re travelling via Le Shuttle:
- You’ll go through French border control in the UK (Folkestone)
- That’s where the checks take place before you board
If you’re flying to France
The new checks happen when you land in France at passport control, not in the UK. This is where you’ll have your photograph taken on your first trip, scan your passport and give fingerprints.
Will it take longer?
Reports suggest that, at many airports, it is taking a long time to get passengers through the checks, with some reporting delays of several hours. You should allow yourself more time at the border.
- The first time you register biometrics may add a bit of time
- Queues may be longer during busy periods
But once you’re registered, future trips should be quicker.
What is ETIAS (and do you need it)?
You may also have heard about ETIAS — a future travel authorisation for visa-free countries.
But:
- It is not in place yet
- It’s not expected until late 2026 or later
For most UK visitors heading to Disneyland Paris,
- You don’t need a visa
- You don’t need to fill in forms
- You don’t need to apply in advance
The only real change is at the border – where your passport will be scanned and your details recorded digitally.
Disneyland Paris travel requirements
We’re heading to Disneyland Paris ourselves in October, so we’ll be sharing what it’s actually like once everything is fully up and running – including how long it takes at the border and whether it makes much difference.
If you’re currently planning your trip, it’s worth saving this page – we’ll keep it updated as the rules evolve.
And for more helpful Disney tips, delivered straight to your inbox, make sure you subscribe for free!
