Tourists told to 'expect queues for a year' as EU prepares to take fingerprints on arrival
Britons have been warned to brace for "delays and queues" at airports ahead of new controversial new border systems
Getty
Britons have been warned to brace for "delays and queues" at airports ahead of new controversial new border systems.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will take biometric data - such as fingerprints and facial images - from non-EU passengers travelling to the EU.
The system hopes to abolish the need for manual passport checks and stamps.
The automated e-gate will also capture names, travel document details and the date and location of entry and exit.
Britons have been warned to brace for "delays and queues" at airports ahead of new controversial new border systemsGettyThe roll out of the scheme could reportedly begin as early as October 6 this year.
However, the exact launch date is unknown.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a €7 (£6) visa-waiver program akin to the United States ESTA, which requires renewal every three years, is anticipated to be implemented in the first half of 2025.
Travel chiefs have said the unclear start date is causing unnecessary confusion.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"It’s all still pretty unclear. Even earlier this month, the FCDO were awaiting the exact details, and not expecting to be in a position to update the industry more fully until later in the summer," Andrea Godfrey, Head of Regent Travel told The Telegraph.
"This could mean further delays, as it doesn’t leave long for implementation plans to take place before October."
She added: "We have been told to expect delays and queues in airports for up to a year.
"The early days of these schemes are likely to be chaotic and slow."
The automated e-gate will also capture names, travel document details and the date and location of entry and exit
WikiCommonsIn preparation for EES, British holidaymakers are being urged to factor more time into their travel plans this autumn.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "We do advise travellers to be prepared in case of delays on their first trip to any of the 29 European countries involved in the new system as they will need to have their fingerprints and facial images taken."
Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, expressed to a parliamentary committee his concern that the automated EES system might result in "substantial delays" for travellers.