Travel operator TUI is alerting travellers to potential delays at border control due to the European Union’s new border management system set to be operational from 1 November 2024. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to enhance security by requiring visitors to provide their photo and fingerprints, impacting all EU states, including popular holiday destinations like Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. The UK Foreign Office has already warned travellers about possible queues, prompting TUI to advise passengers to consider bringing extra water in anticipation of longer wait times.
TUI has informed its customers that the EES will register all entry and exit movements electronically starting November 2024. While the Advanced Passenger Information (API) form will still be used, passengers might experience slightly longer delays during the initial use of the system as biometric data, including face images and four fingerprints, will be collected. Notably, children under 12 years old will be exempt from providing fingerprints.
The UK Foreign Office has suggested that travellers prepare for delays by carrying extra water on the day of travel. The new EES system will require non-EU nationals, including British citizens, travelling to or from the Schengen area to have their fingerprints and photo taken upon entry and exit. It is anticipated that queues at borders may increase once the new system is implemented.
The transition to the digital border system aims to create a digital record for British citizens by capturing biometric details such as fingerprints and photos upon entering the Schengen area. Despite the process anticipated to take a few minutes per person, concerns have been raised regarding potential chaos and technical challenges during the system’s rollout.
With the implementation of the EES around the corner, travellers are encouraged to stay informed about the new requirements and prepare for potential delays by following guidance from the UK Foreign Office and travel operators like TUI.