TUI has issued a warning to travellers about a change that could result in longer queues at border control due to the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) by the European Union (EU) next month. The EES is a new digital border system that will alter the requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area, which includes countries such as Spain, France and Italy.
EU residents can travel between these countries without showing their passport, but now that the UK has left the EU, those travelling to these countries with a UK passport will need to register biometric details like fingerprints or a photo upon arrival. This registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
Although an exact date has not been confirmed, the EU plans to implement the EES from next month. TUI explained how this new system will impact UK holidaymakers on its website, advising that customers may face longer waits upon arrival at their destination.
“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.”
The introduction of the EES system aims to bolster border security across the EU, discouraging illegal migration by automating checks and preventing overstay. The UK Government has been co-operating extensively with the European Commission, various member states, local authorities, and the travel sector to ensure seamless implementation at ports for EES, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The government is also assisting carriers and ports to facilitate an uncomplicated registration process for those visiting the Schengen area, and it is lending a helping hand to Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover by providing each with £3.5m. The funds are earmarked for registration kiosks and infrastructure improvements.
Eurostar says it expects the EES registration process to be swift and simple, and plans to install 50 kiosks across three station locations for passengers to conduct their checks. Eurotunnel will boast more than 100 kiosks and estimates that EES checks will add just over five minutes to journey times. The Port of Dover plans to streamline the process for coach passengers with 24 kiosks, and car passengers will be registered via agents using tablets.
The Schengen area encompasses 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.