Introduction
Soon, British travelers must face new entry rules under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) beginning October 12. Overall, these guidelines impact Eurostar passengers and others visiting the EU. As such, travelers must prepare accordingly and urgently to ensure a smooth journey.
About 3.5 million people pass through the Schengen Zone daily for work, leisure, or visits.
What Is the EES?
In particular, the EES records the time and place travelers enter or leave the Schengen zone. As a result, it effectively replaces manual passport stamps with a digital process.
Moreover, it registers biometric data such as travelers’ fingerprints and facial images. In time, the European Commission expects the EES to handle nearly 265 million border crossings by non-EU citizens annually.
New EES Border Checks
Because the UK is outside the EU, its citizens count as third-country travelers. Therefore, they must complete EES checks. Correspondingly, travelers will scan passports, submit fingerprints, and provide a facial image.
British travelers must also ensure that their passports are free of water damage, tears, and laminate peeling. Furthermore, they must have at least two blank passport pages during the transition period.
Meanwhile, Eurostar passengers must pass through the EES steps before boarding or on arrival. Border officials may ask them about their accommodation, if they have sufficient funds, and travel/medical insurance.
Nevertheless, a Eurostar spokesperson has clarified that medical insurance won’t be mandatory after the EES launch. However, comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is still highly encouraged.
Furthermore, every trip into EU member countries will record entry and exit automatically.
Expected EES Impact at Borders
Initially, border officials expect queues and longer processing times due to the EES implementation. For example, French officials warned that processing could take several minutes per passenger during peak hours.
Additionally, Eurostar terminals in London, Paris, and Brussels are preparing for heavy demand.
“We’re working hand in hand with our border colleagues to make sure that we do this in a very controlled, measured way, helping our customers every step of the way and making sure there are no queues as a result,” said Eurostar chief safety and stations officer Simon Lejeune, speaking to PA Media.
Practical Tips for Passengers
Overall, travelers should follow several steps to reduce stress with regard to the EES. First, check passport validity and ensure it has at least six months remaining. Next, arrive early at train stations or airports to allow extra processing time.
Furthermore, keep travel documents ready and accessible. Parents should remember that children must also complete biometric registration, though procedures are simpler for minors.
Importantly, passengers should avoid last-minute rushes. Instead, plan journeys with extra time built in. Additionally, stay alert to official updates on border systems.
Industry and Government Response
The UK government has issued reminders to travelers about the EES rollout.
Meanwhile, travel operators warn of potential disruption. However, EU officials emphasize that EES will improve security and reduce fraud. In the long run, automated checks could even speed up border crossings.
Nevertheless, the travel industry remains cautious. Eurostar and airlines are testing systems, but continue to ask passengers for patience. On the other hand, travel associations warn that early confusion could harm tourism if queues remain long.
Conclusion
In short, the EES marks a major shift for British travelers. New checks will slow journeys at first, but preparation helps.
Therefore, passengers should allow more time, carry valid documents, and expect biometric scans. Above all, travelers must stay informed through official websites before departing.
Photo by Oliver Potter on Unsplash
