Travelers from the UK planning trips to popular European destinations like France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece will encounter new entry requirements following the enforcement of Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES). Non-EU visitors, including Brits, will now be required to provide biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints upon entering the EU, leading to potential disruptions at EU airports.
Upon arrival at EU borders, personal information from passports will be gathered, and the EES will monitor entry and exit dates to identify overstays efficiently. The EES is designed to eventually replace traditional passport stamps.
Despite its benefits, adapting to the new technology has presented challenges at some airports, with British travelers reporting longer queues during both arrival and departure. Unlike EU passport holders who have dedicated lanes, Brits must join non-EU nationals in undergoing the new entry system.
To streamline the process for UK and other non-EU passengers, an official app has been introduced, aiming to expedite border checks. However, many travelers remain unaware of its existence.
The Travel to Europe app, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, promises to facilitate border procedures for users. Travelers must download the app, register, and provide journey details before their trip. Currently accessible at selected border points like Sweden and Portugal, the app developers plan to extend its availability to more locations.
Families traveling together can input co-travelers’ details into the app for consolidated information. Users can input their travel schedule, scan their passports via the app, take a selfie, answer questions, 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 directed to the pre-registration queue by following airport signs or staff instructions. While additional checks may still be conducted, the app offers a potential time-saving solution for many passengers.
Travelers have been advised to anticipate disruptions in popular vacation spots like Tenerife in the upcoming months. Reports of lengthy queues and confusion due to the new system have emerged. Although the EES rollout avoided the busy Easter period, the approaching May half-term holiday could strain the system further.
