Brits planning a holiday this autumn have been issued a warning as border checks could take a little longer than usual. The entry system for certain countries in Europe is set to change next week.
From October 12, countries within the Schengen area will have a new digital border system in place. This means you may have your fingerprints and photo taken on arrival.
A total of 29 countries will be affected including popular destinations such as France, Greece, and Spain.
In a post made to social media platform X, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a reminder.
From the FCDO Travel Advice account it said: “Got a flight booked to the EU this autumn? Next week, on 12 October 2025, the EU will begin to introduce new border checks.
“This means you may have your fingerprints and photo taken when you land.”
The GOV.UK website explained more about the new entry/exit system. It said: “From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.”
The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. EES is not applicable when travelling to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.
GOV.UK continued: “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/or a photo, when you arrive.
“EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
“You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.”
It warned: “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.”
What should you do
If you are travelling to an affected area you should:
- Visit the Travel Advice page on GOV.UK for your destination so you know the full entry requirements
- Have all that you need prepared in case you need to queue for a long period – this includes any medication, food or water you may need
- Follow the advice of your travel operator
You can find out more information on the EES initiative on the EU’s official Travel Europe website here.