Off to Europe? From fingerprint scans to fees, these are the new travel rules for Brits you must be wary of… and they start NEXT WEEK
Thousands of families will already be planning to jet off for some winter sun.
But the way we travel around Europe will drastically change next week with a shake-up of rules which will track the movement of non-EU citizens.
So Britons trying to escape the chill with a break in Portugal, Greece or Spain, for example, may be forced to have a fingerprint scan to enter their holiday destination from next Sunday.
And by the end of next year holidaymakers will have to pay a €20 fee (approximately £17) for an authorisation to travel to popular spots.
Experts fear the new rules will cause delays at the border as huge swathes of Britons are signed up to the new systems.
Below, we explain the new rules, why they are being brought in – and the chaos they could cause for hundreds of thousands of travellers.
What are the new rules?
Holidaymakers travelling to the Schengen area of 29 countries need to be aware of two new key changes.
The first is the EU Entry/Exit System, known as EES. This will require you to have a facial or fingerprint scan to travel to certain countries.
The second is called ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It will check the credentials and details of visa-exempt visitors entering 30 different countries.
Experts fear the new rules will cause delays at the border as huge swathes of Britons are signed up to the new systems
Travellers to the Schengen area need to be aware of two key changes – first is the EES, which will require a facial or fingerprint scan
What is the EES system?
It is a new ‘digital border system’ that will change the way you travel to certain countries in Europe.
Gone are the days where your passport fills up with stamps and in comes a system which will track your entries and exits to and from countries in the Schengen area.
Holidaymakers will need to register on the system and undergo biometric checks such as a facial and fingerprint scan.
The Government says: ‘You may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.’
You will need to do this via e-gate kiosks at the airport, train stations and ferry ports. You’ll scan your passport, confirm your EU status, have facial and fingerprint scans taken and then answer questions in some cases.
This will only need to be done the first time you enter the Schengen. However, each time you travel after registering your details, you will need to verify your fingerprint and photo on entering or exiting the EU.
Children under 12 will not need to have their fingerprints taken but will undergo a facial scan.
The digital EES record lasts for three years and for any further visits during this time you only need to verify your fingerprints and photo.
Crucially, it is free and you do not need to do anything before you travel as you will complete the checks when you have landed at your destination.
The digital EES record lasts for three years and for any further visits during this time you only need to verify your fingerprints and photo
ETIAS is a separate new rule which will require travellers from 59 ‘visa-exempt’ countries – which include the UK – to have authorisation to enter the EU
Which areas will this be used for?
Many holiday favourites are in the Schengen area, an open border area comprising 29 countries.
You’ll be required to use the EES system if you are travelling to any of the following countries for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czechia; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain;
Sweden; Switzerland. While Cyprus and Ireland are part of the EU, passports for those travelling to these destinations will continue to be stamped manually.
When does it start?
The EES system will come in to force as soon as October 12. It will be phased in gradually and should be completed by April next year.
Will Eurostar and airports use it?
All passengers travelling via trains, ports and airports will need to register via EES eventually.
There is one crucial difference between those hopping on the Eurostar and others travelling via plane. Fliers register when they arrive at their destination. But if you are travelling to the Schengen area via Dover, the Eurotunnel or the Eurostar, the checks will take place before you travel.
For those on a cruise, if you are travelling from and returning to a UK port, you don’t need to register with EES, even if you stop off at a Schengen country.
If you are either travelling to an EU country to get on a cruise or if it ends in an EU country, you will need to complete the EES process.
Why are these changes happening?
The EES system is being introduced to improve safety at border control, making checks more ‘modern’ and ‘efficient’. The hope is passengers will spend less time at the border due to faster checks and self-service kiosks. It may increase waiting times initially as travellers register for the first time.
What impact will it have on travel?
Fears are mounting that due to the number of passengers who will need to register for the first time – especially from Britain – travel times could increase.
However, Eurotunnel boss Yann Leriche expects just two extra minutes on travellers’ wait times at Folkestone and Calais.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System – is a separate new rule which will require travellers from 59 so-called ‘visa-exempt’ countries – which include the UK – to have authorisation to enter the EU.
You’ll need this when travelling to the same countries that are signed up to the EES system.
You will need to hand over personal information such as name, date of birth, sex, nationality, home address, email address and phone numbers for each traveller.
Passport details, level of education, current occupation, details about your intended travel and past travels to a war zone will also need to be provided.
When will ETIAS come into force?
Holidaymakers won’t need to worry about ETIAS until the end of next year. When it does go live, you will need to fill in the application form via an official ETIAS website or app to get the authorisation.
Your application could be processed within minutes – but some may take up to 30 days if you need to attend an interview.
You may need an interview in the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to explain your documentation or to discuss information flagged during your security check. So leave plenty of time ahead of a planned trip to apply for the authorisation or you will risk scuppering your holiday plans.
When EITAS is introduced, each application will last for three years. However, if your passport expires during those three years, you’ll need to apply for a new ETIAS.
It will be linked to the travel document such as a passport you used in your application.
What is the cost?
Unlike registering via the EES system, EITAS isn’t free. Travellers will need to pay €20 for their application. However, if they are under 18 or over 70, it will be free.
