British travelers heading to Europe are advised to brace for potentially longer queues starting today. The European Union’s new border check technology is being expanded to enhance entry efficiency in the long run. However, the current phase of expansion could lead to increased wait times, according to the travel association ABTA.
Implemented under the automated Entry/Exit System (EES), British visitors will be required to provide four fingerprints and undergo a facial biometric scan at a kiosk upon initial arrival. Subsequent entries and exits will only necessitate a single scan. ABTA cautions that as more locations adopt the system and more passengers go through it, the likelihood of queues and delays rises.
Travelers are advised to be ready for potential delays at passport control as the EU mandated its member states to implement the EES at half of their border points by January 10. Manual passport stamping will persist until April 9, resulting in additional bureaucracy. ABTA urges border authorities to take steps to minimize delays, such as suspending the system or reducing checks, to manage the flow of people effectively.
The EES mandates non-EU citizens to register at EU borders by scanning their passports and providing fingerprints and a photograph. The rollout commenced in October and requires British passport holders to register during their initial visit to countries with EES checks. Registration remains valid for up to three years or until passport expiration.
The EES will be gradually introduced over six months, leading to varying requirements at different ports until April 2026. By January 10, half of all checkpoints are expected to be operational. When departing or revisiting a participating country, travelers will only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph at the border.
The EES will be mandatory for entries into Schengen area nations such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland but not for trips to Ireland and Cyprus. For travelers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the registration process will take place before leaving the UK.
The government has allocated £10.5 million to support the juxtaposed ports, assisting with border infrastructure to facilitate a smooth transition for travelers. While the EES is an EU initiative, collaboration with the travel industry, ports, and transport operators has been crucial to informing the public about the upcoming border changes.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, emphasized the importance of the EES checks in securing borders and preventing illegal migration, underscoring the coordinated efforts with European partners for a seamless rollout. Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonization, Keir Mather, highlighted the financial support to ensure ports and operators are well-prepared for the new system, aiming to minimize disruptions and maintain smooth traffic flow.
Travelers do not need to take any action prior to their trip, as registration will occur at the EU border upon arrival, albeit potentially taking slightly longer than previous checks. While each check should last 1-2 minutes per person, there could be extended waiting times at border control upon entering the Schengen area, especially at busy times. Measures are in place at the juxtaposed ports to mitigate disruptions.
Children under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting, but all travelers, including infants, will have their photographs taken and digital records created as per the new EU regulations. Additionally, the UK Government has introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for visitors not requiring visas for short stays or lacking another valid UK immigration status before entering the country.