Officials have said that queues at borders are expected when the system starts. In the latest update the FCO states “From autumn this year, the EU will be introducing a new digital border system to strengthen the security of its external Schengen border. Seamus McCauley, Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, has expressed concerns to Express.co.uk about the potential impact of the new ETIAS system on UK travellers’ plans: “Some British travellers have already changed their plans to avoid the EES coming on November 10”, reports the Express.
“More are likely to do the same when ETIAS comes in since there are plenty of alternative destinations that don’t demand the new paperwork - Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Turkey, the Channel Isles, Montenegro, Georgia and anywhere in North Africa like Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt, just to name some of the places you can fly to direct in one to four hours that won’t be adopting the new system,” he said.
The new registration process – called the Entry/Exit System, or EES for short - will apply to those travelling to the Schengen area which encompasses all EU countries, except from Cyprus and Ireland. Additionally, the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen area.
This will require most citizens of countries outside the EU to create a digital record and register their biometric details, such as providing fingerprints and having their photo taken, when they enter the Schengen area. This should only take a few minutes for each person to do. British travellers will need to do this on their first visit to the EU after EES is introduced. Their record will be checked on point of entry into the Schengen area verifying either their fingerprint or photograph.
There may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK.
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Philip HealyAnd?
BeachcomberI wonder if many from EU will avoid visiting the UK when the new entry system get in place next year and have to pay £10?
Philip HealyDid you ever seriously contemplate Mallorca in the winter or just wanted to brag about Dubai?
Basically the same system in the US. Except ESTA (US) costs $27 for two years rather than 7€ for 3 years (ETIAS - EU).
Ah well. Another Winter in Dubai then.
Shock horror, We are British, we don,t have our fingerprints and photo registered unless we are criminals. Its the start of 1984 which we all read at school, some of us before 1984 ! Next they will be demanding we have ID cards . Anyway we cannot properly register the British population. Millions have come in in the last 30 years and the government doesn't have a clue who they are or anything about them. These people can make up what they want, be who they want, any age they want, and if they don't move out of their ghetto they will never ever be asked. That is plain truth of Britain today.
Ah careful with the Montenegro option. Many U.K. operators enter through Dubrovnik which is in Schengen.
Turn up on a small boat, and you will be put up in a 4 star hotel, be fead 3 meals a day. Maybe a mobile/ laptop? Seems a much better option. All at the taxpayers expense.
Why do you Humphrey Carter use the security departure photo for something that is plainly going to be an arrival problem. Sorry, report news, do not fear monger! FYI, Luton Airport security is fully functional with the new kit, it makes the security process like a hot knife through butter. In August I came through with minimum delay. Minimum queue like the old system in November!
Or, just turn up on Spanish shores in a small boat and walk straight in.