British tourists planning flights to the European Union are being urged to follow vital Entry/Exit System (EES) advice before travelling, as the digital border system enters its first summer of operation.
EES is an automated digital IT system set up by the EU to register non-EU citizens each time they cross the external borders of participating European nations. Reports have surfaced of delays caused by the system at some airports.
Passport-linked registration catches travellers out
Travel expert Ricky Durrance, of package holiday specialists Teletext Holidays, says that while people are familiar with the biometric checks, it is the minor regulations that are catching travellers off guard. One of the most misunderstood aspects is that EES registration is linked to the passport, not the individual.
If a traveller has renewed their passport since their last visit to an EU nation, they will be treated as a first-time traveller, even if they have previously completed biometric registration. That means supplying fingerprints and undergoing a facial scan again at the border, so additional time must be factored in.
"Many travellers would assume once they're already in the system that's job done," said Ricky. "But EES is tied to the passport, not the person, so don't be caught out by unexpected enrolment."
Speeding up the process and children's requirements
Depending on the departure airport, travellers may be able to complete part of the procedure before setting off. The EU's free Travel to Europe app allows travellers using participating border crossings to upload passport details and a facial image up to 72 hours before departure, helping streamline the process. It is worth verifying whether the airport supports this ahead of travel.
For package holiday bookings, border delays can affect transfers, so travellers should check with their travel agent whether their departure airport supports early enrolment and factor in extra time upon arrival. Families should also note that every traveller has their own EES record, children included. Each child will require their own passport and facial image check, although under-12s are not required to provide fingerprints.
Destinations outside the Schengen Area
EES does not apply to all destinations. Popular holiday hotspots such as Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia fall outside the Schengen Area, meaning British tourists heading there will not need to complete EES checks. Travellers are advised to research whether their chosen destination requires EES before booking.
"Like any new system, there's always a settling-in period," added Ricky. "The important thing is not to let the headlines put you off travelling. Millions of people are still enjoying holidays across Europe."
"If you know what to expect, allow a little extra time where needed and make sure your passport is up to date, the whole process should be straightforward."
