Travel experts have explained exactly what you will need to do and what to expect as airports across the EU bring in new rules within weeks. People travelling from the UK to EU countries including Franec, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal will face new biometric checks from November.
Dawn Morwood, director of Cheap Deals Away UK, said: “Passengers will now have to look into a camera that scans their faces, and place their index finger on a scanning screen. Although it’s a strange thing to get used to, this procedure will soon become normal for international travellers as more airports adopt it.”
The EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) involves biometric security measures that register travellers’ physical features, via fingerprint scanners or facial recognition, to verify their identity. These checks are part of a broader effort to enhance airport security and speed up processing times for travellers. The system will be mandatory for non-EU nationals (including Brits) entering the EU, providing a more seamless way to manage border control.
“Using advanced technology, the system will register your name, biometric data, type of travel document, and the date and place of your entry and exit,” said Morwood.
One of the key benefits is that entry gates will for the most part be automated. Upon exiting the host country, the EES will automatically calculate how long the traveller has stayed for, as part of efforts to combat visa overstays and enhance border security.
The new biometric system uses advanced technology to capture biometric data, like fingerprints or facial images, when travellers pass through immigration control. This data is then cross-checked against security databases to confirm a person’s identity. While the checks may take a bit longer than traditional passport control at first, the goal is to reduce wait times and improve security in the long run.
“All you need to do is stand and look at a camera for a few seconds, and place your fingers on a scanner, before you’re asked to move on. It’s a process many Brits, if they have travelled into UK airports, will be familiar with,” encourages Morwood. “The data will be erased after three years to comply with data protection regulations.”
The new biometric checks will likely make your airport experience faster and more streamlined. To make the process as smooth as possible, Morwood recommends keeping the following tips in mind:
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Use Self-Service System: At many airports, you’ll be able to use self-service kiosks to submit your biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans, reducing the need for interactions with border officials. This will save time compared to traditional passport stamping.
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Arrive Early During Peak Times: While the process is designed to be faster, it’s still recommended to arrive at the airport with extra time, especially during peak travel hours, to account for potential initial delays as the system is being fully implemented.
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Keep Identification Handy: Even though biometric checks are streamlined, always keep your passport or other travel documents accessible in case a manual check is needed.
“If airlines offer the ability to upload your passport details in advance, make sure to do it a few days early to avoid any possible issues”, says Morwood. “Also make sure to double check that everything you have entered in the app is correct and matches your travel document”.
If you encounter any problems during the biometric checks, remain calm and ask for assistance from airport staff. Keep your identification documents handy in case there are issues with the biometric scan. Remember that these systems are still new, and minor delays or technical glitches may occur, but help will be readily available to ensure you get through smoothly.
Though the introduction of the new EES at EU airports may raise concerns, they’re designed to protect travellers while enhancing convenience. By preparing ahead and familiarising yourself with the process, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your journey.
Dawn said: “The introduction of any kind of new security technology can be intimidating at first, particularly when the world has seen airports change from very little security a couple of decades ago to the levels we see today. It’s important to remember that all of these extra steps are done to keep passengers safe and streamline the process, so follow directions closely and ask questions if you need to.
“Border authorities will likely also be new to these systems, so the best thing you can do is be patient and get to the airport with ample time so you are not rushing to your gate if things get backed up. As long as you have your travel documents at the ready and are compliant with instructions, there’s nothing to worry about. Soon after, you’ll be on the beach or sipping away at a nice drink, with these biometric checks far from your mind.”