The Foreign Office has updated travel advice as new EU biometric border rules come into force today for Brits travelling to Spain, Italy, Greece and 26 other Schengen countries
The Foreign Office is updating its advice for the countries affected by the new rules(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office is updating its advice for 29 countries following the implementation of new border regulations affecting British travellers from today (April 10).
The European Union (EU) has launched its new Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring Britons to utilise the digital border framework when entering the Schengen area. This modernised approach supersedes the traditional method of manual passport stamping, with travellers now being required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photograph, upon their initial arrival at Schengen zone airport borders.
This is completely free of charge, and in the majority of cases, no advance preparation is necessary before arriving at the border, reports the Mirror.
The nations covered by the new system are: 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, and Switzerland. The EES does not apply to journeys to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus, as these destinations sit outside the Schengen area.
Consequently, the Foreign Office has amended its travel guidance to clarify: “The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
“This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.”
“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.
“EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.
“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, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
“Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.”
Brits are encouraged to check the entry requirements for their chosen destinations before making travel plans, as some countries may have extra rules you should be aware of.
