TUI issues EU holiday warning after Foreign Office delays alert

TUI has sent a message to passengers saying people might want to take extra water as queues could be long due to the new EU border control system coming into force

Travel giant TUI has sent out an alert to holidaymakers regarding the EU's upcoming new border control system, potentially causing significant delays. Starting from November 1, 2024, anyone entering the EU will need to stop for a photo and fingerprints due to the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

The Foreign Office warns of expected queues, as all arrivals into EU countries – including popular destinations such as Italy, France, Spain, and Greece – will be recorded electronically by EES. TUI advised customers they may want to bring extra water for the anticipated wait, adding: "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."

They also noted: "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 some travel advice for those heading out: "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."

They previously elaborated on a significant change come November 2024: "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.", reports the Express.

Further advice includes preparation for biometric data capture: "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."

The switch is designed to digitally record British citizens' entry into the Schengen zone, which should ease the process despite concerns for initial delays due to potential system glitches and increased wait times during implementation.