Andover residents heading to Europe this summer are being advised to allow extra time at border control, as concerns continue over queues linked to the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System.
The system, known as EES, applies to most non-EU nationals, including British passport holders, travelling to Schengen countries for short stays.
It replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of when travellers enter and leave the Schengen area. On a first visit after the system began, travellers may be asked to have their fingerprints scanned and their photo taken. The record is normally valid for three years.
The system began operating on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026. It is not a visa and there is no fee to register for EES.
For people travelling by air, checks will usually take place at the border when they arrive in the Schengen area. For those using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle at Folkestone, or Eurostar from London St Pancras, EES checks may be completed before leaving the UK.
The UK Government says EES checks may take each passenger extra time to complete, especially at busy periods.
The latest concern comes as airlines and airports have raised fears over queues at some European border points during the peak summer holiday season. The European Union has reportedly rejected calls to suspend the system, while saying only a small number of border points are experiencing serious difficulties.
Residents travelling from Andover are advised to check the latest guidance from their airline, ferry operator, Eurotunnel or Eurostar before setting off, and to make sure they have the correct passport and travel documents.
The separate ETIAS travel authorisation scheme is not yet in force. The UK Government says travellers do not need to take any action on ETIAS at this stage.
Useful Links for Travellers
- UK Government Guidance on the EU Entry/Exit System
- UK Government Advice on Travelling to the EU and Schengen Area
- European Commission Guide to the Entry/Exit System
- Travel Aware: European Entry/Exit System
- Eurostar EES Guidance
- Eurotunnel LeShuttle EES Guidance
- Port of Dover EES Guidance
- Kent Prepared EES Travel Advice