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Across Europe, a new age of travel begins: one without passport stamps.

As of April 10, all passengers arriving from the UK and other non-EU nations are required to have their photos taken and fingerprints recorded at EU airports and border checkpoints under theNew entry and exit system (EES).

The EESis a digital system that substitutes physical passport stamps at border checkpoints throughout theEuropean Union, and individuals holding passports from non-EU nations, including the United Kingdom, are mandated to utilize it.

TravelOfficials and experts have already informed travelers about possible delays, with some forecasts indicating wait times as long as four hours.

Luke Petherbridge, head of public affairs at Abta, the organization representing travel agents and tour operators, had previously cautioned: ‘Due to the security checks, you may have to account for delays by bringing additional water and snacks.’

Now, airlines have also expressed their views.

Before the system was implemented, on April 1, easyJet sent a notice to travelers: get ready to stand in a queue.

Guidance on the budget airline’s websiteAirports throughout Europe could face extended lines at passport control while the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) border procedures are being implemented.

This could require you to provide your biometric data, such as your facial features and fingerprint scans.

EasyJet isn’t the sole low-cost airline to advise travelers to get ready.Jet2had recommended that travelers, especially those visiting well-known locations such as Spain and Greece, familiarize themselves with the updated process.

The airline’s websiteindicates: ‘You might experience extended waiting periods upon reaching your destination and prior to your flight back to the UK.’

We sincerely apologize for any trouble this might bring, but regrettably, this is beyond our influence.

What is the functioning of the EES system within the European Union?

Travelers from outside the European Union, referred to as nationals of third countries, will need to provide their passport information and biometric details upon entering an EU nation for the first time.

Biometric data consists of fingerprints and facial images. Borders are expected to be equipped with automated kiosks where travelers can enter this information.

This information, along with the details of arrival and departure, will be kept for future visits.

Subsequent visits will only involve verifying biometric information, which can accelerate the procedure.

Border officers will also pose additional questions regarding lodging, whether travelers have sufficient funds for their journey, insurance coverage, and a ticket back.

Children are not excluded from the verification process, even though those under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints; nevertheless, they will still need to have their facial features scanned.

Will inspections by EES take place in the UK?

Typically, inspections take place at the destination airport or port upon arrival. The only exceptions are the Port of Dover, St Pancras International, and Folkestone.

Therefore, travelers going to the EU will undergo inspections there, as these are shared British and French border points.

The updated system covers the 25 EU nations, along with Schengen area members.Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Manual passport stamping will continue to be applied in non-Schengen countries likeIreland and Cyprus.

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Contact us via emailLifestyleTeam@.co.uk.

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