TUI issues passenger alert over huge delays and says 'bring extra water'

The UK's Foreign Office has already updated advice warning Brits that queues at borders are expected when a new system starts in November 2024

Travel operator TUI is gearing up travellers for possible bottlenecks at border control thanks to the European Union's brand new border management system set to take effect from 1 November 2024. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to boost security by requiring visitors to submit their photo and fingerprints.

This will impact all EU states including popular holiday destinations like Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. The UK Foreign Office has already alerted travellers about potential queues.

Moreover, TUI has advised customers to perhaps bring along extra water anticipating longer waits. TUI informed its passengers: "From November 2024, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system (EES). When the EES is operational it's planned that all entry and exit movements will be registered electronically."

Adding to this, they stated, "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. 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."

The Foreign Office has issued advice for travellers, suggesting: "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. You can find out more by visiting EU EES website and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system.", reports the Express.

They previously stated: "From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries, 25 of which are EU Member States. The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports."

"You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering the Schengen area. If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK. You will also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo on exit. You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts."

They added that the change is designed for British citizens to create a digital record by registering biometric details such as fingerprints and photos upon entry to the Schengen area. While it's expected to take just minutes per person, concerns have been raised about potential chaos and technological issues when the system rolls out.