Heads up, UK travellers! New entry rules are now in place for Brits visiting the EU, potentially leading to longer waits at border controls. As part of the Schengen area’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need to provide some extra details when visiting any of the 29 participating countries, including Spain, Greece, and Portugal.
Gone are the days of simple passport stamping—now, you’ll create a digital record at your first point of entry. This will involve scanning your fingerprints and taking a quick photo, creating a file of your travel movements.
Before you start packing your bags, here are the essentials to know: All British travellers, including children, must submit their biometric data upon arrival. While under-12s are excused from fingerprinting, everyone needs a snapshot taken. No need to worry about any pre-travel submissions, just bring yourself and your UK passport.
Be prepared for some initial delays as these changes come into effect. The Foreign Office and airlines are advising that registration might add a bit of time to your journey, but it’s a one-time process that’ll last for three years!
So, plan accordingly and keep your fingers crossed for shorter queues in the future. Bon voyage! 🌍✈️