The UK government has launched a new campaign advising UK holidaymakers to prepare for the new Entry/Exit System (ESS) coming soon. The campaign involves messages, that inform Brits about the introduction of the new EU border checks, being posted on the government’s social media profiles and shared by on travel websites.
The ESS, introduced by the EU for UK and non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, will come into effect on October 12 and gradually be implemented over a six-month period. The automated system will require travellers to register at the border by scanning their passports and having their fingerprints and photographs taken.
It will be a requirement for those entering Schengen area countries, such as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. However, it is not required when you visit Ireland and Cyprus.
According to Travel Weekly, Brits will have to register on their first visit to a participating country after the new control is introduced, and the registration will remain valid for a rolling three-year period or until their passport expires.
As part of the new rules, all travellers, including babies, must be photographed and digital records created. However, children under the age of 12 will not be required to have their fingerprints taken.
For future entries and exits from participating countries, travellers will only need to scan their passport and give either fingerprints or a photo at the border.
The government stated that a phased introduction of ESS “should allow for a phased implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods.”
The checks are expected to take up to two minutes per traveller, but the Government warned that they “may lead to longer wait times at border control upon arrival in the Schengen area”.
For those travelling from juxtaposed ports, such as the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, the process will happen at the border before leaving the UK.
Longer waits at these cross-Channel operators are expected but the government has said that there are “plans in place to minimise disruption as much as possible”.
A goverment spokeperson said: “While ESS checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with out European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public.
“While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in.”