The European Union’s long-awaited new Entry/Exit System begins operation today, meaning all Brits travelling to the likes of Spain, France, Greece and Germany will face new travel requirements. From Sunday (October 12), holidaymakers travelling into and out of the Schengen Area may need to have their fingerprint and photo taken, as well as answer the Schengen Border Code questions, which will see them automatically registered every time they cross an EU external border.
The system, whose implementation has been delayed multiple times since its proposal a decade ago, is designed to enhance security and streamline the border control process at 29 EU countries. Any tourist who refuses to provide biometric data, like a photograph or fingerprints, will be denied entry to the country they’re visiting. However, the Foreign Office has urged Brits to arrive at the airport they are travelling from much earlier than usual, as the gradual introduction of the scheme is expected to cause some delays.
The FCDO advice reads: “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. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
“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.”
It adds that there is no need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen country: “If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you will complete EES checks when you arrive at your destination.”
For those entering 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.
Once created, the digital EES record is valid for three years. If you enter the Schengen Area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border when you enter and exit.
The rollout of the system will take some time. In Spain, for example, Madrid Airport will be the first place in the country to use the EES. The UK Embassy in Madrid has issued a crucial warning to British citizens residing in Spain warning UK nationals not to travel with expired TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) cards, as they could face difficulties at the border.
The EU is expected to start operating the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip and pay a €20 (£17.40) fee as part of the authorisation process.