UK Travelers to Spain, Italy, and Greece Face New Airport Rules

Starting in November 2024, travelers to the European Union, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, will face new airport regulations that could extend travel times. The UK Foreign Office has issued a fresh alert detailing two key changes as part of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will be implemented across the EU.

The EES will require non-EU citizens, including British nationals, to have their biometric data—such as fingerprints and photos—recorded when entering and leaving the Schengen zone. This is expected to result in longer queues at borders, and passengers are advised to allow extra time for the new process.

The UK Foreign Office has emphasized that the system will affect travelers at key entry points like Dover, Folkestone’s Eurotunnel, and St Pancras Eurostar station, where biometric data will be collected before passengers leave the UK.

This new system is part of the broader EU initiative to digitize border control measures, with the goal of enhancing security and streamlining immigration processes.

What to Expect:

Biometric Registration: Travelers will need to submit their fingerprints and a photo upon entering the Schengen zone.
Increased Border Times: The introduction of this new system could lead to delays at borders, especially during peak travel periods.
Affected Entry Points: Major UK transit hubs like Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras will begin collecting biometric data before departure to the EU.

Countries Using EES:
This system will be rolled out across several Schengen member states, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium, among others.

In preparation for these changes, the UK government has allocated £10.5 million to ensure the smooth integration of the new system at key entry points, aiming to minimize disruption for travelers.

Stay informed and plan accordingly if you are heading to Spain, Italy, Greece, or other Schengen countries later this year.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/uk-travelers-to-spainitaly-and-greece-face-new-airport-rules/