NEW travel rules are set to be introduced next year – and Brits will need a new app alongside them.
The new Entry Exit System (EES) has been delayed a number of times since it was first announced back in 2022.
Now set to launch in phases at an unconfirmed 2025 date, all travellers will need to have biometric checks at the border.
And a new app is being rolled out as part of EES.
While it won’t be mandatory, Brits heading to Europe will face huge queues without it.
Being developed by EU border agency Frontex, it will allow passengers to go through the process faster.
Frontex Deputy Executive Director Uku Särekanno said: “Frontex is currently developing a prototype of an app that will help speed up this process and allow travellers to share some of the information in advance.
“This is something we are working on to support the member states, although there is no legal requirement for us to do so.
The app will require the passengers name, date of birth and passport number, as well as the length of time they are staying and the reason for travel.
It could even ask for the amount of money the passenger has on them, as well as a credit card and health insurance number.
A QR code will then allow passengers to scan it at the border, making it much quicker.
Tests have already been done on the prototype of the app at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, as well as at airports in Germany, Bulgaria and Gibraltar.
However John Keefe, Director of Public Affairs at Getlink who run Eurotunnel, warned that this will only work for returning passengers, as everyone will need to visit the border for the first time.
“It’s not clear when the app will be available, [and] it’s being prepared for subsequent entry to the EU not first entry and enrolment in the system.
“It’s targeted at those already enrolled in the system.”
He said while it will speed up the process, it won’t reduce queues when the new system is first introduced.
He added: “Initial enrolment will have to be done at a kiosk – on first entrance you will have to register and that will be the case for some time.”
Eurostar‘s Gareth Williams backed this up, saying: “In the first phase, the app won’t be able to do anything with fingerprints – that will remain at the kiosk.”
The EES system has been repeatedly delayed due to both IT issues and the Paris Olympics.
This month’s November 10 date was once again delayed with the official EU website simple stating: “It is due to start in 2025.”
Along with EES, another new travel rule called the ETIAS is being introduced.
The visa-waiver, similar to an ESTA Brits need to visit America, anyone travelling to Europe from the UK will need one.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has warned that the EES will result in huge changes at the border for Brits.
“THE looming introduction of the long-delayed European Entry Exit System could lead to yet more pain for passengers leaving the UK.
“While airports across Europe have the space to add this additional process it is still going to add a huge amount of extra time to the customs checks.
“Although it will remove the need to have stamps in your passport, everything will still need to be checked either by a border officer or an e-gate.
“Where things could get really bad are at ports like Dover – where there are significant space constraints and multiple individuals will be travelling together in cars and coaches.
“Both Eurostar and Le Shuttle have invested millions in new facilities to process passengers but it is almost inevitable that the first few months of the system could lead to lengthy delays as we all get used to the new system.”
Lasting three years, the €7 waiver will allow entry to Europe, up to 90 days during an 180 day period.
While every traveller needs it, the ETIAS will be free for anyone under the age of 18 and over the age of 70.
