From October onwards, when the Entry Exit System is activated, we'll be asked to use one of those terminals which are all sat covered in plastic just next to the incoming passport area at the airport. They will take data thats used to identify you such as passport data, and all your biometrics etc.
There's a rumour that they'll ask you whether you have suitable travel insurance, funds, location of residence and/or return air ticket. I cant see how they'll be able to track all this information but I expect you might have to give a declaration and signature to say you have complied (and maybe, like now, once in a blue moon someone might quiz you).
This will become your ID in the future ETIAS (visa waiver) system which eventually goes live in 2026. You go on line, use your new EES registration and pay your €7 for 3 years access to Schengen. Between logging into EES and applying for ETIAS the gov will use your data to match you to police databases so if you've had a minor run in with the police (driving offence, bit of a scrap, shoplifting) then you'll probably need to get a referral from an agent to approve your ETIAS application. If you've done something proper naughty you'll just get an automatic rejection.
If your passport is getting on a bit, i.e. not far off 10 years, then you would be wise to renew a wee bit early so that once you're "in" the system you dont have to update things for a while.
