Travel operator TUI has issued an alert about the new border control system being introduced by the European Union – which could mean big delays at the border. Under the plans which come into action from November 1 2024 anyone entering the EU will have to get their photograph and fingerprints taken as part of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
The UK’s Foreign Office has already updated advice on the issue saying that queues at borders are expected when the system starts. The system applies to all countries in the EU – and includes many holiday hotspots such as Italy, France, Spain and Greece.
Now tourist giant TUI has sent a message to passengers saying people might want to take extra water as queues could be long. TUI said: “From November 2024, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system (EES). When the EES is operational it’s planned that all entry and exit movements will be registered electronically.
“Before you travel, there’s nothing different you need to do, the Advanced Passenger Information (API) form you already complete will be used by the airline to send your details. If you choose to check-in at the airport your information will be sent to the EU during the check-in process. Upon arrival at your destination, the first time you use it might take a bit longer than usual to pass through border control as your biometric data (face image and four fingerprints) will be collected. Children under 12 years old will not have their fingerprints collected.
“On the day of travel, in case there are any delays, you may wish to take along extra water to make your airport journey more comfortable. You can find out more by visiting EU EES website and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system.”
Foreign Office previously said: “From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries, 25 of which are EU Member States. The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports.
“You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering the Schengen area. If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK. You will also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo on exit. You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.”
The Foreign Office said the change is for British citizens to create a digital record and register their biometric details, such as providing fingerprints and having their photo taken, when they enter the Schengen area. In theory this should only take a few minutes for each person to do – however many are predicting chaos, including technological breakdowns, when it is first introduced.