The UK Foreign Office has revised its travel guidance for EU nations this morning, introducing new border regulations that affect British travellers heading to popular destinations such as France, Spain and Italy.
The updated advice highlights the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires the registration of biometric data – namely fingerprints and a photograph. The system is free and applies to all UK travellers entering the Schengen area, including children and babies.
What the guidance says
The updated guidance, now appearing for countries like France, Italy, Germany and Greece, states: "On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken."
No action is needed before arriving at the airport, as checks are carried out at border control. However, Brits have already experienced lengthier queues and delays at popular destinations following the system's rollout. Notably, Greece has temporarily lifted the requirement for British holidaymakers during the summer season to ease the impact of large crowds.
EES details and exemptions
The guidance clarifies: "EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit."
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International, information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. Your digital EES record is valid for three years.
Long-term residents in a Schengen country are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of exemptions is on the EU's official Travel Europe website. If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record is incorrect, approach border officials at your next crossing and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
Schengen Area countries
The Schengen Area includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
