Brits travelling abroad to popular tourist destinations should be aware of new entry and exit rules
The new system has been implemented in 29 European countries (Image: Getty Images)
A new system is in place throughout Europe affecting UK travellers holidaying across the continent. The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will change the way many people are allowed to enter countries in the Schengen area including Spain and France.
The Foreign Office has updated travel guidance to remind passengers of the new system that has been rolled out across 29 countries in Europe and from today, April 10, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.
If you are planning on travelling to these areas for short stays and are a British national you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border at the airport but 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.
When leaving the country you may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
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.
There is no cost for EES registration and it is valid for three years.
The system has been implemented to “improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area”, according to the Foreign Office.
Countries in the Schengen area
- 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
As well as the new EES, those travelling to the Schengen area must have a passport that has a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
