New Digital Border Checks for Families
As school summer holidays begin, Scottish families travelling to Europe are reminded to prepare for the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES). The system, introduced in October last year, replaces passport stamps for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area, which includes most EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Every traveller, including children, must complete EES registration before entering the Schengen area for the first time. The process involves scanning passports, taking photographs, and for some, providing fingerprints.
Age-Based Requirements for Children
Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints but must have their photograph taken and travel details recorded. Parents or guardians may be asked to confirm a child's details during registration. Children aged 12 and over must provide both a facial photograph and fingerprint scan, just like adults.
The first-time registration for each traveller is individual. Once registered, the information is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. On subsequent trips, travellers typically only need to scan their passport and complete a single biometric check.
Where and When Checks Occur
Most holidaymakers complete checks at passport control upon arrival and departure. However, families travelling via Eurostar from London St Pancras, Le Shuttle through the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or ferries from the Port of Dover will complete entry checks before leaving the UK.
Officials expect the process to take only a few minutes per person, but queues could be longer during the busy summer holiday period, especially with children.
Advice for Families
Parents are advised to check guidance from their airline, ferry company, or rail operator and arrive with extra time. Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said: "As the school summer holidays begin in Scotland, it's important that those heading abroad remember the EU's Entry/Exit checks. We encourage all families to follow travel operator guidance to know when to arrive at airports and ports and what to expect."
