Britons planning trips to popular European destinations like France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece will encounter updated entry procedures following the enforcement of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES requires non-EU travelers, including Brits, to provide biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints upon entering the EU.
Additionally, personal information from passports will be gathered upon entry, with the system tracking entry and exit dates to identify overstays efficiently. Over time, the EES aims to replace traditional passport stamps.
Adapting to the new technology has presented challenges at some airports, with many British travelers experiencing longer queues upon arrival and departure from the EU. While EU passport holders have dedicated lanes, Britons must join non-EU nationals in using the new system.
To potentially expedite the process for Britons and other non-EU nationals, an official app is available, though many travelers remain unaware of its existence. The Travel to Europe app, accessible on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, promises to streamline border checks. Interested travelers must download the app, register, and currently, it is operational at select border points like Sweden and Portugal, with more locations expected to be included soon.
Families traveling together can input co-traveler details into the app for centralized information. By entering journey specifics and scanning passports via the app, travelers can take a selfie, answer queries, and complete the process up to 72 hours before departure.
The app generates a QR code for each passenger, which can be scanned at self-service kiosks or by border control personnel. Travelers are advised to follow airport staff instructions for pre-registration queues. While entry is not guaranteed, this process can expedite border procedures for many passengers.
Travelers have been cautioned to anticipate potential disruptions in popular holiday destinations like Tenerife in the upcoming months. Reports of lengthy queues and confusion stemming from the new system have surfaced, with the approaching May half-term possibly intensifying pressure on the system.