The new EU rule will affect anyone travelling to the Schengen area, which includes popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland and Portugal
Holidaymakers jetting off to European Union countries such as Spain for a bit of winter sun could face longer airport queues due to new EU regulations coming into effect in the coming weeks.
Those planning trips to other popular holiday destinations like France, Greece, Croatia, Switzerland and Portugal should also be prepared for extended queues upon landing in Europe. This is due to new EU rules that require visitors to provide details under the forthcoming Entry/Exit system (EES).
Upon entering and exiting the Schengen area, which includes Spain, you’ll be required to provide fingerprints and a photo, and answer Schengen Border Code questions.
Foreign Office officials estimate that using the new system – which becomes operational on October 12 – will add a few minutes to each passenger’s time at the airport. However, they stress that there’s no need to take any action before arriving at the border, and there are no costs associated with EES registration, reports the Daily Record.
Foreign Officer message
The Foreign Office guidance has stated: “If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
“EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts. When EES is introduced, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival.
“You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.
“If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you will complete EES checks when you arrive at your destination. The checks may take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait during busy times.”
Further Schengen zone rules stipulate that your passport must show a ‘date of issue’ within 10 years of when you arrive. If you renewed your passport before October 1 2018, it might have an issue date that goes beyond the 10-year threshold. Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least three months beyond the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).
The Foreign Office has advised that before setting off, travellers should ensure their passports and other travel documents meet the necessary requirements. Failure to present a valid travel document or attempting to use a passport reported as lost or stolen will result in denied entry. Visa-free travel to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, is permitted for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This applies under certain conditions:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
Upon arrival at Spanish border control, you may be required to present:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of your travel insurance
- you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation
- a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
- an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts
Schengen countries affected by new EU Entry/Exit System
- 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