The Foreign Office has warned that the EU has introduced new rules, meaning Brits must now use the digital border system when travelling to the Schengen zone
The Foreign Office is revising its travel guidance for 29 nations as fresh border regulations take effect for British people from today (April 10). The European Union (EU) has launched a new entry/exit system (EES), requiring Brits to utilise the digital border framework when journeying to the Schengen area.
It replaces the former manual passport stamping procedure, with travellers now asked to provide biometric data including fingerprints and a facial image upon initial arrival at airport borders within the Schengen zone.
It’s important to note this procedure costs nothing, and in most instances you won’t need to take any action prior to reaching the border.
The new framework encompasses the following countries: 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 framework doesn’t cover journeys to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus, as they remain outside the Schengen area.
The Foreign Office has now revised its travel guidance, saying: “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.”
The Foreign Office has also encouraged people to verify information for their chosen destination, including examining regulations outlined on that country’s embassy website, should there be any additional requirements they might need to consider.
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