United Kingdom Travellers to Face Biometric Checks Under New European Union (EU) Entry-Exit System when to enter in Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Portugal

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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October 8, 2024 14:22 GMT+5:30

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From November 2024, United Kingdom travelers heading to European Union countries will encounter new biometric checks as part of the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES). The new measures, which include facial recognition and fingerprint scans, will apply to all non-EU tourists, including British nationals, as part of an effort to strengthen border security and streamline airport processes.

These changes come just as winter holiday travel ramps up, meaning tourists traveling to popular European destinations like Greece, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal will need to prepare for the new biometric screening requirements at border control. The system will also apply to non-EU countries in the Schengen Area, including Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance in anticipation of these changes, advising British tourists to be prepared for longer wait times at border crossings as the new biometric system is implemented across participating countries.

What is the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)?

The Entry-Exit System (EES) is a new border control initiative designed to electronically register biometric data and personal details of non-EU travelers, including their name, travel documents, and entry/exit information. The biometric data will include facial images and fingerprint scans, which will be collected at border checkpoints upon entering and exiting the EU.

The system, initially planned for 2022 but delayed due to logistical issues at smaller airports, will now officially come into effect in November 2024. The EES applies to all EU member states, with the exception of Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Schengen Area countries that are not part of the EU.

For travelers, the EES means that biometric registration will be required the first time they enter an EU country. Their digital records will be stored for three years, meaning that on subsequent trips within that time frame, only a facial recognition scan or fingerprint will be needed to verify their identity.

How Does the Biometric System Work?

When the EES comes into effect, non-EU travelers, including UK citizens, will need to undergo biometric checks at border control. The process is relatively straightforward:

• Facial Recognition: Travelers will be required to look into a camera for a few seconds while their facial image is captured.
• Fingerprint Scanning: Travelers will place their index finger on a scanning screen to have their fingerprint recorded.

These steps will be used to create a digital record of the traveler’s entry and exit from the EU, including their name, type of travel document, date, and place of entry. This information will be stored for three years to facilitate quicker processing for repeat visitors.

Children under 12 years old will be exempt from providing fingerprints but will still need to have their facial image scanned. The data collected will be erased after three years to comply with data protection regulations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Impact on United Kingdom Travelers and Holidaymakers

With these changes just weeks away, United Kingdom tourists are being urged to prepare for the potential impact on their holiday plans. The introduction of biometric checks may lead to longer wait times at airports, especially during busy holiday periods such as winter breaks or Christmas getaways. British nationals traveling to popular holiday destinations in southern Europe—including Spain, Greece, and Portugal—should be especially mindful of the new requirements and potential delays.

The UK Foreign Office has advised travelers to stay informed by regularly checking travel advisories and planning additional time for airport procedures. Travelers should also be prepared for the possibility of longer queues at smaller airports, which may face capacity challenges in processing biometric data as the system is introduced.

For those planning repeat trips to the EU, the EES system offers some advantages. Once their biometric data has been registered, subsequent entries will require only a quick scan of their face or fingerprint, speeding up the process in future visits.

Why the EES Matters: Strengthening Border Security

The introduction of the Entry-Exit System is part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance border security and monitor the movements of non-EU nationals more effectively. With increased concerns about security and immigration, the EES aims to improve tracking of overstays, reduce the risk of fraudulent entries, and ensure better management of border crossings.

According to EU officials, the system will allow for more efficient monitoring of visitors, help reduce illegal migration, and provide a centralized system for sharing data between member states. The digitalization of the process is also expected to streamline airport management, making border control more efficient for both travelers and authorities.

While the biometric checks may be new to some tourists, many will already be familiar with similar systems used at UK airports, where facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are becoming more common. The goal is to offer a seamless travel experience while ensuring heightened security at EU borders.

Preparing for Your Trip: What UK Travelers Need to Know

To ensure a smooth travel experience, UK tourists should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the EES before traveling to Europe. Here’s a summary of what travelers need to know:

1. Biometric Checks: From November 2024, all non-EU travelers will be required to undergo biometric checks when entering the EU. This includes a facial recognition scan and a fingerprint scan.
2. Digital Records: Your biometric data and personal information will be stored for three years, meaning that for future trips, only a quick scan will be needed.
3. Longer Wait Times: Be prepared for longer queues at border control, especially during peak holiday seasons. The FCDO recommends allowing extra time when arriving at the airport and keeping updated on travel advisories.
4. No Immediate Action Needed: For most travelers, no immediate action is required before your trip. The Advanced Passenger Information (API) form that you already complete will be used to send your details to the EU during the check-in process.
5. Children: Children under the age of 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but will still have their facial image scanned.
6. Smaller Airports: Some smaller European airports may experience delays as they adjust to the new system, so consider planning ahead if traveling through less populated regions.

A New Era of Travel for UK Tourists

As the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) prepares to launch, UK travelers should be ready for changes at European borders. While the new biometric checks will undoubtedly slow the process initially, the system is designed to provide greater security and streamline travel in the long run. By registering biometric data and tracking entry and exit movements electronically, the EU aims to improve border security while creating a more efficient process for repeat visitors.

Travelers can look forward to a smoother experience on future trips, knowing that their data is securely stored for up to three years, simplifying border crossings. However, for now, UK tourists heading to Europe should be prepared for possible delays and make sure they have all their travel documents ready for the new system.

For more information on the EU Entry-Exit System, visit the official EES website or check the latest FCDO travel updates.