TUI issues alert to holidaymakers after UK government announces major travel change

The Entry/Exit System (EES), which the European Union (EU) will be implementing from next month, could mean Brits face longer waits at border control

TUI has issued a warning to travellers about a change that could result in longer queues at border control. The change is due to the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border system that the European Union (EU) plans to implement from next month.

This will alter the requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area, which includes popular holiday destinations like Spain, France and Italy. EU residents can travel between these countries without showing their passport, but now that the UK has left the EU, those travelling with a UK passport will need to register biometric details such as fingerprints or a photo upon arrival.

The EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. Although an exact date has not been confirmed, the EU plans to implement the EES from next month, reports the Liverpool Echo.

TUI explained how this new system will affect UK holidaymakers in an update on its website, advising customers that they may face longer waits upon arrival at their destination. The update stated: "When the EES is operational it's planned that all entry and exit movements will be registered electronically."

"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. 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."

The EES is a system designed to enhance border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and curb illegal migration in the Schengen area. It aims to automate border control checks to help the EU prevent visitors from overstaying.

The UK government has stated that it has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES. The government is backing ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is straightforward for people travelling to the Schengen area.

The UK government is providing support to Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover with a £3.5m grant each for registration kiosks and infrastructure. Eurostar anticipates that EES registration will be swift and straightforward, with 50 kiosks spread across three station locations for passengers to conduct checks.

Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks and estimates that EES checks will add just over five minutes to journey times. The Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register car passengers using agents and tablets to simplify the process.

More information can be found on the EU EES website and the UK government website. The Schengen area includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.