A new digital border system for the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is set to launch later this year, and British travellers face potential significant delays at EU borders. The system, which will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection, is designed to enhance security but risks creating long queues during peak summer months. The UK government has issued travel advisories, warning that processing times could increase by up to 50% at major entry points such as Dover, Calais, and Eurostar terminals.
The EES will require non-EU nationals, including British citizens post-Brexit, to have their fingerprints and facial images scanned upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area. While the European Commission insists the system will be efficient, concerns about unprepared infrastructure persist. Travel industry experts urge holidaymakers to arrive at borders with extra time and ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date.
The system's implementation date remains unconfirmed for summer 2024, but delays in testing suggest a phased rollout is possible.
