From Sunday the long-awaited Entry Exit System (EES) will be introduced for Brits travelling into the EU, meaning longer delays at ports in the UK and on the continent
British passengers will face longer waits travelling to Europe from Sunday as new post-Brexit biometric checks come in.
The new border system means travellers will have to give fingerprints and have their photo taken as well as scanning their passport. The “significant change” ramps up the risk of delays, a minister warned last night.
Although the checks will be brought in gradually over six months, British officials do not have a full list of European airports where the new rules will be fully enforced at the start. The long-awaited Entry Exit System (EES) is expected to slow down journeys from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, where checks will be carried out in the UK.
How will it work?
From Sunday British passport-holders will have to register on their first visit to a country where EES checks are operating.
This registration will be valid for a rolling three-year period, or until the passport expires. When a passenger returns to the UK, or returns to a European country after doing the new checks, they will only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph.
What countries are affected?
The EES checkes will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
They will not be required for visits to Ireland and Cyprus.
What do you need to do?
Brits do not need to take any action before travelling and the process is free.
The checks will take place on arrival at the EU border – but may take slightly longer than previous border checks.
How long will it take?
The Home Office says the checks should take between one or two minutes for each person – but may lead to longer wait times.
This is likely for those using Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover, although the Government says there are plans in place to minimise disruption.
Why is it happening?
The EU introduced EES to replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens.
It means they can monitor whether people are sticking to the 90-day visa-free travel rule, while strengthening border controls.
Will children have to give fingerprints?
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.
What is the Government saying?
Borders Minister Alex Norris said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.
“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”
Aviation Minister Keir Mather said: “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.
“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”
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