The UK Foreign Office has warned travellers they could face longer queues when new Schengen border rules start in November.
The FCDO advice has been updated today (September 5) for European countries introducing the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
It will affect all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, which 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,” said the updated advisory.
“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 EES will apply to those travelling to the Schengen area which encompasses all EU countries, except from Cyprus and Ireland.
Additionally, the non-EU states Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen area.