NEW travel rules for Brits heading to Europe will be brought in by October 2024, even though it could lead to increased waiting times at borders.
The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the stamping of passports and is being introduced across all EU countries.
GettyThe new Entry/Exit System will replace the stamping of passports at borders[/caption]
It was originally due to be in place earlier this year, but has been pushed back several times.
The new system will check each passenger’s name, biometric data and the place of entry and exit.
Brits visiting Europe will be required to submit fingerprints and facial biometrics before they travel.
Now, according to the Independent, it will be October 6, 2024 when the new rules are finally introduced.
They claim that member states will have to confirm by the end of August that they are ready for the EES launch.
Some countries have previously raised concerns about how much time it will add to queues at EU borders.
The Slovenian government has said that it takes “up to four times longer” to do the new process, according to their test runs.
Elsewhere, Austria warned that processing times would at least “double compared to the current situation” while Croatia said that border checks would “certainly be significantly longer”.
Fears about delays aren’t restricted to airports either, with other border staff raising concerns.
Port chiefs at Dover have previously warned that the new system could extend checks from 45 seconds to as much as 10 minutes.
Port chief Doug Bannister said: “Even at the busiest times right now, with new post-Brexit rules, passport checks are taking 45 to 90 seconds per car.
“With the pre-registration involved, a car with a family of four or five in it could take up to 10 minutes.
“The government should be urgently discussing with their French and EU counterparts how this is going to work.”
Meanwhile, Eurotunnel has raised similar concerns, saying it could take as much as six minutes longer to process each car boarding its trains.
One of the reasons for the latest pushback is fears of problems at EU borders, with French officials requesting EES not be implemented until after the Paris Olympics.
However, despite the concerns, The EU insists the new system will have the opposite effect and will speed up processing times for travellers.
They said: “The main advantage of the EES is saving time.
“The EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures, making travelling to European countries using the EES more efficient for the traveller.”
Once the system is up and running, the EU will then implement its new ETIAS scheme, which has also been delayed several times.
The scheme will require tourists from more than 60 countries, including the UK, to apply for visa exemption online at least 96 hours before departure, and will cost each person €7 (£6).
Approval will be required to enter any of the EU’s 27 member states, including popular holiday destinations like France, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, this sneaky pass means Brits can skip long queues at the Eurotunnel.
And this new service could link Brits to much-loved European holiday destinations.
GettySeveral people have raised concerns about EES’ impact on passport processing times[/caption]