The European Union has voted to roll out new travel rules that will see long delays for UK holidaymakers heading to countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal
The European Union has decided to implement new travel regulations that are set to cause significant delays for UK holidaymakers visiting popular destinations such as France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. Under the new system, UK nationals will be required to submit biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, in addition to scanning their passports.
Airlines have been instructed to potentially keep passengers on board aircraft to prevent airport congestion as travellers line up to provide the additional details. Motorists planning to use the Channel Tunnel have been alerted to anticipate extended waiting times, and substantial processing facilities are being established at Dover and London St Pancras to manage the flow of people.
The forthcoming Entry-Exit System (EES) aims to bolster security across Europe by meticulously monitoring who enters and exits the EU. Although its introduction has faced several postponements, the EU has recently voted to commence its deployment from October, with a six-month window for all member states to adopt the system, reports Bristol Live.
Assita Kanko, the Belgian MEP overseeing the EES initiative, said: “The safety of Europeans can no longer be postponed. Reliance on paper stamps at borders, while criminals operate digitally, is unacceptable. The EES is not just a security measure but also aids legal travellers more efficiently, with fewer queues and increased certainty.”
UK passport holders will be required to scan their passports and provide fingerprints and a photograph the first time they travel to Europe. This process will need to be repeated every three years or when your passport expires.
For those travelling via the tunnel or ferry, these checks will be conducted in the UK. If you’re flying, the checks will take place upon landing.
Motorists heading to the continent will need to step out of their vehicles to provide the necessary information. Once fully implemented, another system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), will be enforced from 2026. To enter Europe, you’ll need to purchase a visa waiver, costing approximately £6 every three years.