UK travellers have been issued a warning as border queues at certain European countries could soon get longer. According to the Foreign Office changes set to come into force in November could delay travel times to as many as 29 countries.
From November this year, these countries will require fingerprints and a photo to be taken when entering. They will also need either fingerprints or a photo to be taken when you leave. But you will no longer get a stamp in your passport.
As a result of these developments, wait times at borders could be longer for Brits, the Government said. The rule change applies to countries within what is known as the Schengen area – an area encompassing 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders.
In an update, the Government website explained: “From November 2024, you’ll get your fingerprints and photo taken when entering the Schengen area.
“You’ll get either your fingerprints or photo taken when you leave. You will not get a stamp in your passport.
“Queues at borders may be longer when these changes begin. 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.”
What countries does this apply to?
The 29 countries affected are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland.
The Government also warned that you might need to apply for a visa when travelling to these locations. However, this is only the case if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days.
According to GOV.UK, you do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:
- You’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
- You’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.
Other reasons include:
- Studying a short course
- Getting medical treatment
- Travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
- Journalism or other media activities.
“Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay,” the Government added.
To find out more visit gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area.