by Travel experts have explained exactly what to do and what to expect as airports across the EU introduce new rules within weeks. People traveling from the UK to EU countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal will need new biometric checks from November.
Dawn Morwood, director of Cheap Away UK Marketssaid: “Passengers will now have to look into a camera that scans their faces, and place their index finger on a scanning screen. Although it is a strange thing to get used to, this procedure will soon become the norm for international travelers as more airports adopt it.”
The EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) involves biometric security measures that register a traveller’s physical features, through fingerprint scanners or facial recognition, to verify their identity. These checks are part of a wider effort to improve airport security and speed up processing times for travellers. The system will be mandatory for non-EU nationals (including Britons) entering the EU, providing an easier way to manage border control.
“Using advanced technology, the system will register your name, biometric data, type of travel document, and date and place of entry and exit,” said Morwood.
One of the main advantages is that the entry gates will be largely automated. Upon leaving the host country, the EES will automatically calculate how long the traveler stayed, as part of efforts to tackle visa overstays and improve border security.
The new biometric system uses advanced technology to capture biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial images, when travelers pass through immigration control. This data is then cross-checked against security databases to confirm a person’s identity. Although the checks may initially take a little longer than traditional passport control, the goal is to reduce waiting times and improve security in the long run.
“All you have to do is stand and look at a camera for a few seconds, and put your fingers on a scanner, before you’re asked to move on. It’s a process that many Brits, if they’ve traveled into UK airports, will be familiar with,” encourages Morwood. “The data will be deleted after three years to comply with data protection regulations.”
The new biometric checks are likely to make your airport experience faster and more streamlined. To make the process as smooth as possible, Morwood recommends keeping the following tips in mind:
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Use Self-Service Systems: At many airports, you’ll be able to use self-service kiosks to enter your biometric data, such as fingerprints or face scans, reducing the need for interactions with border officials. This will save time compared to traditional passport stamping.
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Arrive Early During Peak Time: Although the process is designed to be faster, it is still recommended to arrive at the airport with extra time, especially during peak travel hours, to allow for potential initial delays when setting up the system fully implemented.
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Keep IDs Handy: Although biometric checks are streamlined, keep your passport or other travel documents accessible at all times in case a manual check is required.
“If airlines offer the ability to upload your passport details in advance, make sure to do it a few days in advance to avoid any potential problems”, says Morwood. “Also make sure to double check that everything you’ve entered into the app is correct and matches your travel document”.
If you encounter any problems during the biometric checks, stay calm and ask the airport staff for assistance. Keep your identification documents handy in case there are problems with the biometric scan. Keep in mind that these systems are still new, and minor delays or technical glitches may occur, but help will be readily available to ensure a smooth experience.
While there may be concerns about the introduction of the new EES at EU airports, they are designed to protect travelers while improving convenience. By preparing in advance and knowing the process, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your trip.
Dawn said: “The introduction of any kind of new security technology can be intimidating at first, especially when airports are changing from little security a few years ago to the levels we see today. It is important to remember that all these extra steps are taken to keep passengers safe and to streamline the process, so follow the instructions closely and ask questions if necessary.
“The border authorities will probably be new to these systems as well, so the best thing you can do is be patient and get to the airport with plenty of time so you’re not rushing to your gateway if things are backup. As long as you have your travel documents ready and are following the instructions, you will have nothing to worry about. Soon after, you’ll be on the beach or sipping a nice drink, with these biometric checks far from your mind.”
