British travellers have been warned of potential delays due to temporary border controls introduced by the Netherlands and Belgium.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, these measures, expected to last six months, were implemented after delays in launching the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
The Netherlands has reinstated checks at its land borders, with additional screenings on certain international trains and flights.
Belgium has also established border controls, with Germany—bordering Belgium to the west—implementing similar measures.
The EES, originally planned for November 2024, aims to tighten security in the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 29 countries that allows free movement without passport control.
Once operational, travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area, including Britons, will undergo fingerprint and photo collection.
The FCDO said: “Queues at borders may be longer when these changes begin.”
For those travelling via Dover, Eurotunnel in Folkestone, or St Pancras International, biometric data will be collected before departure from the UK.
As the situation evolves, the FCDO recommends checking entry requirements for each country, particularly Germany and Belgium.
This is the second major travel advisory from the FCDO recently, following updates on entry guidance for the United States.
Travellers are advised to plan and stay informed to minimize disruptions during this period of heightened border controls.
