Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe this summer are being urged to check their passports and travel documents well before they travel, as new digital border checks continue to cause delays and confusion at some European airports.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operating across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave participating countries. The system applies also to British passport holders travelling for short stays and records facial images, fingerprints and passport details at the border.

The warning comes as airports and airlines continue adapting to the new process during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with reports of longer queues and passengers being advised to allow extra time before flights.

Kadmos Immigration, a UK immigration advisory practice, says travellers should treat passport checks as part of their holiday planning, rather than something to think about at the airport.

Helena Sheizon, Founder of Kadmos Immigration, says:

” Some holidaymakers are travelling to Europe as non-EU nationals, and that means the checks are different from what many people remember before Brexit.

The biggest mistake families can make is assuming nothing has changed. If your passport doesn’t meet the entry requirements, or you haven’t allowed extra time for the new border procedures, your holiday can be disrupted before it has even begun.”

Why Brits may face longer airport queues this summer
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays. For British travellers, this means entry and exit records are now stored digitally rather than through passport stamps.

First-time users of the system may be asked to provide biometric information, including a facial image and fingerprints. While this only takes a few minutes per person, processing times can increase significantly during busy periods, particularly for families or large groups arriving together.

Several airlines have already advised passengers travelling to parts of Europe to arrive earlier than usual while airports continue adjusting to the new procedures.

Sheizon explains:

“For most holidaymakers there is no reason to panic, but there is every reason to prepare.

If you’re travelling with children, elderly relatives or anyone who may need additional assistance, it’s sensible to build in extra time. The new system is designed to strengthen border security, but during its first busy summer season it can also create queues if travellers aren’t expecting the additional checks.”

The passport rule still catching British holidaymakers out
Kadmos Immigration is also warning British travellers to check both the issue date and expiry date on their passport before travelling to Europe.

For travel to the EU and wider Schengen area, a British passport generally must:

Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry.
Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.

This continues to catch out travellers with older UK passports, particularly those renewed before September 2018, when unused validity could be carried over onto a new passport.

Sheizon says:

“Many people only look at the expiry date, but for travel to Europe that isn’t enough.

A passport can still appear valid, but if it was issued more than 10 years before the date you enter the Schengen area, you could be refused boarding or entry. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid, provided you check early enough.”

ETIAS is still not in force and travellers should ignore unofficial websites
Kadmos Immigration is also reminding travellers that ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming travel authorisation scheme, has not yet launched.

Despite widespread discussion online, British travellers do not currently need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe. Reports suggest the system is now expected to launch later than originally anticipated, meaning travellers should continue relying only on official government advice for updates.

Sheizon says:

“One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between EES and ETIAS.

EES is already operating at the border. ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation system that has not yet launched.

If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS today, that should immediately raise alarm bells. Until the EU officially opens applications, British travellers don’t need to buy anything.”

What British holidaymakers should check before travelling
Kadmos Immigration recommends checking the following before booking or travelling:

Your passport was issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the Schengen area.
Your passport remains valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave.
Your destination is part of the Schengen area and subject to EES checks.
You allow extra time at the airport or border crossing.
You follow your airline’s latest advice on recommended arrival times.
You avoid paying unofficial websites for ETIAS before it officially launches.
Children’s passports have been checked separately, as they expire sooner than adult passports.
Your passport details exactly match your travel booking.

Sheizon adds:

“The safest advice is simple: check your passport before you book, not the night before you fly.

People spend weeks comparing flights and hotels, but something as simple as passport validity can stop a holiday before it starts. Spending five minutes checking your documents now could save hours of stress later.”

Why this matters this summer
Millions of British holidaymakers are expected to travel to popular destinations including Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and Italy over the coming weeks.

Kadmos Immigration says the vast majority of travellers will have no problems, but the introduction of digital border checks means preparation is now more important than ever.

Sheizon concludes:

“Most people will still enjoy their European holiday exactly as planned, but the margin for error is smaller than it used to be.

Since Brexit, British travellers are subject to different entry requirements, and the move to digital border checks is another reminder that immigration rules now form part of holiday planning, even for a short break.”