UK travellers have been alerted to potential delays at certain European borders as the Foreign Office has cautioned that queues could get longer for those visiting 29 countries. The anticipated changes are expected to take effect in November and will require individuals to have their fingerprints and photo taken upon entry. Similarly, they will need either their fingerprints or a photo captured upon exit, foregoing the traditional passport stamping process.
The adjustments are set to impact countries within the Schengen area, a zone consisting of 29 European countries that have eliminated border controls at their shared boundaries. The UK Government has advised that these alterations might result in extended wait times for British travellers. It has been highlighted that individuals entering the Schengen area through specified locations such as Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or St Pancras International will undergo fingerprint and photo procedures before departing the UK.
The countries included in these changes are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Travellers are also advised that visas may be necessary for visits exceeding 90 days, with exceptions for short trips like tourism or specific purposes such as studying, receiving medical treatment, business travel, or journalistic activities.
To stay informed about entry requirements and limitations during visits to these countries, the Government recommends checking with the respective destination’s regulations. For further details, individuals can visit the official government website at gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area. The evolving border control procedures aim to enhance security measures within the Schengen area, potentially affecting travel experiences for UK tourists. Stay updated on these developments and plan accordingly to navigate through potential delays effectively.