by British travelers were able to set themselves with huge queues to register their fingerprints if they later enter Europe this year.
All passengers without EU passes must provide their fingerprints or have their pictures recorded in order to enter the block under the new entry/output system (EES).
The introduction of the new system has been delayed several times in the past two years after Germany, France and the Netherlands said they were not ready.
However, the European Council and the European Parliament have approved a “gradual” introduction of the program from October for six months, reported the Times.
This applies to non-EU citizens, including British, which enter the pass-free Schengen zone within 180 days of passing the passport zone for visits, public holidays and business trips.
Brussels promises that it will remove the stamp of the passport and automate the border control, which makes it easier to travel to the block.
But there were warnings from the port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel that there could be delays and chaos at the beginning of the new regime.
“Not just a security measure”
Assita Kanko, the Belgian conservative MP of the EES system in Brussels, said: “The safety of Europeans can no longer be postponed.”
She added: “Trust in paper stamps in borders, while criminals work digitally, are unacceptable.
“The EES is not only a security measure, but also the legal travelers more efficient, with fewer queues and a higher certainty.”
Channel tunnel bosses have estimated that the average time to process a car could jump seven times from less than a minute of up to five and seven minutes.
In October, Sir Keir Starrer, the Prime Minister, campaigned for Great Britain to be freed from the rules when they come into force.
It led to speculation that he would agree to a youth mobility scheme with Brussels in exchange what Downing Street was open in the context of an EU deal at the beginning of this week.
After the EES has been fully introduced, British travelers can apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization Service), which is expected in the second half of 2026.
Like an electronic US system, passengers have to work for travel (ESTA) and have to apply online for a travel waiver, which is then valid for three years.
