A change is set to be implemented at self-service border control systems later this year, and British passport holders have been issued a warning about what they need to do
A travel expert has issued a warning to all British passport holders planning a European getaway from October 12 onwards.
Vix Aguilera, an ATOL and ABTA protected UK travel agent, took to TikTok to outline alterations being implemented to eGates, which are automated self-service border control systems. “A new EES [Entry/Exit system] is going to apply to all non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen area and essentially it will replace the need to queue and get a stamp,” she warned.
The change will require travellers to submit facial recognition and fingerprints at a new self-service kiosk instead. It comes following a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
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Sharing details of the new change, Vix explained: “You will be giving your biometric data upon arrival to the country. This is then going to be stored on a central database and linked to your UK passport.”
The travel agent noted that the record will remain valid for three years, and therefore, you only need to complete the process once when you first enter, reports Yorkshire Live.
“Now this is the interesting bit – it’s going to be rolled out from October 12 in a phased approach,” Vix continued. “Although every country is within their rights to do it straight away to cut down on the need for extra queues.”
She added: “The way they are going to be doing this is by staggering it, so from days one to 29 there’s going to be no minimum requirement and after that there’s going to be 10% of passengers required to scan etc.”
The positive news, according to Vix, is that airport security personnel will be available to guide you through the procedure when you arrive. Therefore, for now, you don’t need to undertake any advanced preparation. It’s important to read up on how the system works beforehand though.
“You just turn up to the eGates then have yourself directed by staff,” she explained.
Vix proceeded to caution, however, that you shouldn’t mistake this for ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System – a fresh travel requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries. That’s not going to be rolled out until the end of 2026, and it will require a pre-travel authorisation.
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So, who does the October 12 change impact? “Obviously, if you are travelling from this date, if you are going to a Schengen area, and if you are a non-EU citizen and you are looking to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period,” Vix clarified.
One TikTok user praised the guidance and commented: “Thank you for explaining this so well. I was confused thinking it’s the ETS, and since I’m travelling in December, worried that it being new might give me issues, but this is good info to have.”
Why is this alteration being introduced? The UK government’s website, which offers additional details, explains: “EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.”
It adds: “The checks may take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait during busy times. “If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK.
“You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.”
The Schengen area comprises the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
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