TUI warning to holidaymakers over border control change

The change will be in place at the borders of countries including Spain, France and Italy

TUI has issued a warning to travellers about a change that could result in longer queues at border control. This is due to the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border system set to be implemented by the European Union (EU) from next month.

The EES will alter requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area, which includes countries such as Spain, France and Italy. EU residents can travel between these countries without showing their passport, but now that the UK has left the EU, those travelling with a UK passport will need to register biometric details like fingerprints or a photo upon arrival.

The EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. Although an exact date has not been confirmed, the EU plans to implement the EES from next month.

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TUI explained how the new system will affect UK holidaymakers in an update on its website, advising customers that they may face longer waits upon arrival at their destination. The update stated: "When the EES is operational it's planned that all entry and exit movements will be registered electronically."

"Before you travel, there's nothing different you need to do, the Advanced Passenger Information (API) form you already complete will be used by the airline to send your details. If you choose to check-in at the airport your information will be sent to the EU during the check-in process.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

"Upon arrival at your destination, the first time you use it might take a bit longer than usual to pass through border control as your biometric data (face image and four fingerprints) will be collected. Children under 12 years old will not have their fingerprints collected. On the day of travel, in case there are any delays, you may wish to take along extra water to make your airport journey more comfortable."

The EES is aimed at enhancing border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and curbing illegal migration in the Schengen area. It plans to automate border control checks to assist the EU in preventing visitors from overstaying.

The UK government has stated that it has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES. The government is backing ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is straightforward for people travelling to the Schengen area.

The UK government is providing support to Eurostar, Eurotunnel andthe Port of Doverwith a £3.5m grant each for registration kiosks and infrastructure. Eurostar anticipates that EES registration will be swift and straightforward, with 50 kiosks spread across three station locations for passengers to conduct checks.

Eurotunnel will have more than 100 kiosks and estimates that EES checks will add just over five minutes to journey times.The Port of Doverwill have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register car passengers using agents and tablets to simplify the process.

More information can be found on the EU EES website and the UK government website. The Schengen area includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, 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.