In his new monthly column – exclusive to PM – podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims unpicks the big topics concerning motorcaravanners and gets to the heart of the matter. This month…
TALKING POINT
Anew digital border system is set for rollout on all UK/EU borders, which will require a passport scan and a facial photograph every time you cross a UK/EU border, plus the submission of fingerprints every three years. But are motorhomers ready for this?
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is now scheduled to be implemented on 6 October 2024. It has been subjected to many delays post-Brexit, but the time has come for its introduction.
The EES will mark a significant change in border control measures for British tourists, including those with motorhomes, travelling to and from Europe.
As the UK adjusts to post-Brexit travel regulations, understanding the intricacies of the EES becomes essential for those planning trips across the Channel. Read on and I’ll outline the EES and consider its implications for motorhomers and what you can expect.
WHAT IS THE EES?
The EES is a comprehensive border management system, designed both to enhance security and to streamline immigration processes within the Schengen Area (the area comprising 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders).
By collecting biometric data, which includes fingerprints and facial images, from travellers entering and exiting Schengen countries, the EES aims to strengthen border control measures and improve the detection of individuals who might pose a security risk.
THE IMPACT ON BRITISH TOURISTS
For British visitors, the introduction of the EES brings about several key considerations. First, travellers must be prepared to provide biometric data upon entry and exit from Schengen countries. In addition, your passport must be up to date. Your passport’s date of issue should be no earlier than nine years and nine months from the date of your return to the UK. So you must have a minimum of three months left to run. The start date is important because some passports were issued to expire in 10 years and nine months, rather than the usual 10 years. Customs officers look at the start date, so check yours.
Delays, delays and more delays. It’s expected to take 1.25 minutes to process each person. The Port of Dover is predicting that it will take 10 minutes to process a family of five for their first journey to Europe after the introduction of the EES,
