Travel experts have revealed exactly what you need to do and what to expect as airports across the EU will introduce new rules in a few weeks. People traveling from the UK to EU countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal will face new biometric checks from November.
Dawn Morwood, director Cheap Deals Away From the UKHe said: “Passengers will now have to look at a camera that scans their face and place their index finger on the scanning screen. “While it may be a strange thing to get used to, this procedure will soon become normal for international travelers as more airports adopt it.”
The EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) includes biometric security measures that record passengers’ physical characteristics through fingerprint scanners or facial recognition to verify their identity. These checks are part of a broader effort to improve airport security and speed up processing times for passengers. The system will be mandatory for non-EU citizens (including Britons) to enter the EU and will provide a more seamless way to manage border control.
“Using advanced technology, the system will record your name, biometric data, type of travel document, and entry and exit date and location,” Morwood said.
One of the key benefits is that entry doors are often automated. Once exiting the host country, EES will automatically calculate how long the traveler has stayed as part of efforts to combat visa overstays and improve border security.
The new biometric system uses advanced technology to capture biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial images, as travelers pass through immigration control. This data is then cross-checked against security databases to verify a person’s identity. Although the checks initially take a little longer than traditional passport control, the long-term aim is to reduce waiting times and increase security.
“All you have to do is stand, look at the camera for a few seconds and place your fingers on the scanner before you are asked to continue. “This is a process that will be familiar to many Brits traveling to airports in the UK,” encourages Morwood. “Data will be deleted after three years to comply with data protection regulations.”
New biometric checks will likely make your airport experience faster and smoother. To make the process as smooth as possible, Morwood recommends keeping the following tips in mind:
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Use Self-Service System: At many airports, you will be able to use self-service kiosks to submit your biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans, thus reducing the need to interact with border officials. This will save time compared to traditional passport stamping.
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Arrive Early During Peak Times: Although the process is designed to be faster, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport with extra time, especially during peak travel hours, to account for possible start delays as the system is fully implemented.
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Keep Your Identity Information on Hand: Although biometric checks have been streamlined, always keep your passport or other travel documents accessible in case a manual check is required.
“If airlines offer the ability to pre-load your passport information, be sure to do so a few days early to avoid potential problems,” says Morwood. “Also make sure everything you enter into the app is correct and matches your travel document.”
If you encounter any problems during biometric checks, remain calm and ask for help from airport staff. Keep your identification documents handy in case there is a problem with the biometric scanning. Please note that these systems are still new and minor delays or technical glitches may occur, but help will be on hand to ensure you go through smoothly.
Although the rollout of new EES at EU airports has raised concerns, these systems are designed to increase convenience while protecting passengers. By preparing ahead and getting used to the process, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your journey.
Dawn said: “The introduction of any new security technology can be scary at first, especially as the world sees airports go from very minimal security levels a few decades ago to the levels we see today. “It’s important to remember that all these extra steps are done to keep passengers safe and make the process easier ; so follow the instructions closely and ask questions if necessary.
“Border officials will also likely be new to these systems, so the best thing you can do is be patient and leave enough time to get to the airport so you don’t have to rush to your gate if things go wrong. As long as you have your travel documents ready and follow instructions, there’s nothing to worry about. A quick word.” “After some time, you’ll be on the beach or sipping a nice drink with those biometric checks out of your mind.”