Travelling to Europe with a UK Passport? What You Need to Know About the New EES Border Checks
If you’re travelling to Europe with a UK passport, you’ll now use the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) when entering the Schengen Area.
Instead of having your passport stamped, you’ll have your passport scanned, a photo taken and your fingerprints recorded the first time you enter. On future trips, your biometric details will already be on file, making the process quicker.
Allow Extra Time
The new checks may mean longer queues at airports, ferry ports and Eurostar terminals, particularly during peak travel periods. To reduce the risk of delays, it’s sensible to allow extra time for your journey. If you’re flying back to the UK from a busy European airport, arriving at least three hours before departure is a good idea.
Some destinations, including Greece and Rome’s airports, may temporarily suspend biometric checks during particularly busy periods to help keep queues moving.
Some Destinations Are Unaffected
Not travelling to the Schengen Area? The new system doesn’t apply in destinations such as Turkey, Switzerland, Iceland or Norway, so if the headlines about EES are making you hesitate, these are great alternatives to consider.
If you’re sailing on a round-trip cruise from the UK (departing from and returning to the UK), you also won’t need to complete EES checks, as border formalities are handled differently.
My Experience
I recently travelled through Málaga Airport, where the process was blissfully quick and straightforward once I realised I needed to remove my glasses for the photo! There were around 100 biometric kiosks and plenty of staff on hand to help passengers.
Flying home from Rome was equally smooth, but experiences can vary depending on the airport and time of day. My advice is simple: allow plenty of extra time, so you can start your holiday – and your journey home – without unnecessary stress.
The good news? There’s nothing you need to do before you travel. Just make sure you have a valid UK passport, arrive in good time and follow the instructions at the biometric kiosks.
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