Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Bulgaria, and more Face UK Travel Warning as New EU Border System Set To Launch

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Bulgaria, and more are set to enforce a new EU border system, prompting a UK government travel warning for holidaymakers. With the Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch, British tourists will face stricter border controls, including mandatory biometric registration with fingerprint and facial scans upon arrival. The system aims to enhance security and track non-EU travellers but raises concerns over potential delays at airports, ferry terminals, and land borders. UK authorities urge travellers to prepare for longer wait times and new entry procedures when visiting these popular European destinations.

UK Issues Travel Warning as EU’s Entry/Exit System Nears Implementation

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh warning for British travellers heading to European Union (EU) countries. This comes as the bloc prepares to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to radically alter border control procedures for non-EU travellers, including UK citizens.

The EES is an automated biometric border system designed to track non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area. For Britons, this means new travel procedures, longer processing times at borders, and mandatory biometric registration when entering EU countries.

With the system expected to go live in October 2024, concerns are mounting over possible delays, confusion at entry points, and the broader impact on UK-EU travel. Here’s everything you need to know about the new system and what it means for British passport holders.

What is the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated border control system designed to replace traditional passport stamping for non-EU nationals traveling into the Schengen Area. The system will electronically record biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, alongside passport details, to log entry and exit movements across EU borders.

The EES will apply to third-country travellers, including:

British passport holdersAmericans, Australians, Canadians, and other non-EU nationalsShort-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers

Each time a UK citizen enters a Schengen country, their biometric data and passport details will be recorded. The system will also automatically calculate the number of days spent in the Schengen Area, preventing individuals from overstaying the permitted 90-day limit within a 180-day period.

How Will the EES Work?

Upon arrival at an EU external border (airports, ferry ports, and land crossings), British travellers will need to use a self-service kiosk to:

Scan their passportProvide fingerprints and a facial imageRegister entry details, including the date and location

Once registered, this biometric data will be stored for three years, meaning that during subsequent trips within that period, UK travellers will only need to provide fingerprints and a facial scan at border crossings.

At land borders and ferry terminals, where self-service kiosks may not be available, biometric registration may be conducted by border officials using handheld devices.

Impact on UK Travellers Using the Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and Dover

The UK government is working with transport operators to smooth the transition, investing £3.5 million each into Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover.

Eurostar: Plans to install 50 biometric kiosks across three locations, ensuring a quick and efficient registration process.Eurotunnel: More than 100 self-service kiosks will be set up, with processing times expected to increase by around five minutes per traveller.Port of Dover: 24 biometric kiosks will be installed for coach passengers, while car travellers will be registered by agents using mobile tablets.

However, despite these preparations, concerns remain over long queues and delays at busy border crossings, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

Why is the EU Introducing the EES?

The European Commission introduced the EES as part of its broader efforts to modernize border security and enhance internal safety within the Schengen Area. The primary goals include:

Replacing outdated passport stamping methods with a digital record of entries and exitsStrengthening border security by identifying overstayers and individuals on watchlistsAssisting in counterterrorism efforts and fighting serious crimeReducing border control processing times through automationProviding member states with accurate travel data for better visa policy decisions

Additionally, the EES will work in conjunction with the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require UK travellers to apply for pre-travel authorization before entering the EU.

How Will the EES Affect British Travellers?

The biggest changes for UK passport holders traveling to EU countries include:

1. Mandatory Biometric Registration

British citizens will no longer receive passport stamps but instead will need to register fingerprints and facial images upon their first entry.

2. Increased Border Processing Times

Unlike the current system, where passport checks are relatively quick, biometric scanning and registration could result in longer queues, especially during the initial implementation phase.

3. Digital Travel History Tracking

Every entry and exit will be logged digitally, ensuring travellers do not exceed their 90-day limit within a 180-day period.

4. More Scrutiny for Overstays

The EES will automatically flag anyone who overstays their permitted time, making it more difficult for UK travellers to extend visits illegally.

5. Potential Fines and Entry Bans

Individuals who exceed their visa-free stay period could face hefty fines or even entry bans when trying to re-enter the EU in the future.

When Will the EES Come into Effect?

The latest update from the EU suggests that the EES will launch in October 2024, though previous delays mean the timeline could shift again.

UK authorities are urging travellers to be prepared, advising British nationals to factor in extra time at border crossings and stay informed about new procedures before their trips.

What Should British Travellers Do Now?1. Prepare for Longer Wait Times

Whether traveling by plane, train, or ferry, UK tourists should anticipate longer processing times, particularly at busy ports and airports.

2. Keep Track of Your Schengen Stay

Use an online Schengen visa calculator to ensure you do not exceed the 90-day limit.

3. Stay Updated on Future Changes

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) regularly updates its travel advice, so check the gov.uk website before departing.

Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Bulgaria, and more will enforce the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), triggering a UK travel warning. British tourists must prepare for biometric checks, longer wait times, and stricter border controls as the system is set to launch.

With the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch soon, British travellers must adapt to the new biometric registration process. While the system aims to enhance border security and efficiency, it also raises concerns about potential delays, increased bureaucracy, and the impact on seamless travel.

UK travellers should stay informed, plan ahead, and be prepared for new border control procedures when heading to Europe in late 2024.