Travelers have been told to prepare for delays as the new EU entry-exit system begins on Sunday

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passenger And lorry drivers have been warned they could face lengthy delays Dover and on eurostar when new European Union entry-exit system started On Sunday.

Britons traveling to Europe will be subject to new entry checks from October 12, which will require non-EU citizens to have their passport scanned and their fingerprints and photograph taken. New Entry-Exit System (EES) It is being phased in over the next six months, with travelers required to register upon arrival in the EU.

Dover, Eurostar, and channel tunnelBorder control checks will take place on UK soil. The EES will begin on Sunday in Folkestone with coaches and HGV drivers at Dover and the Channel Tunnel, as well as selected passengers on Eurostar.

Travelers have been warned there could be long wait times at busy times while the new system is introduced, both at border crossings into the UK and on arrival into the EU. Two contingency sites near Kent have been identified by government officials for passenger vehicles in the event of disruption.

It includes Lydden Hill Race Track and another site which is not yet operational.

Traffic on the A20 to the port of Dover in Kent as the Easter holidays begin. Travelers have been warned they could face delays as a new EU entry-exit system is introduced. ,the countryside,

Government officials do not yet have a definitive list of which European airports will be the first to introduce border checks, with EU member states expected to keep airline carriers informed.

Independent have recognized Three countries which will be completely prepared from day one: Czech Republic, Estonia and Luxembourg.

Spain is expected to impose EES on only one incoming flight at Madrid airport on Sunday.

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However, the EU has set a target for each country to register 10 per cent of travelers from the 30th day onwards.

The entry-exit system will connect every border crossing point in the Schengen area (including all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland).

British officials believe the country can make changes and step back if needed if the new plan shows signs of long delays.

However, Julia Lo Beau-Sayed, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a travel expert, warned on Friday that Britons should take it for granted. Delays at European airports account for four hours from landing.

Referring to busy southern European airports, he said: “It’s already a bottleneck – it’s going to compound even more of a problem. So our advice is really to make sure that, where possible, you’re leaving yourself between three to four hours from the entry point”.

Under the EES, Britons will have to have their fingerprints scanned, have their image taken, have their passport scanned and then go to a border guard to have their registration validated. Officials estimate it will take one to three minutes, but it could result in longer wait times.

may be passengers They will also be asked to answer questions from Border Force officials, This also includes whether they have travel insurance, enough money to support themselves, and whether they have a return ticket and a place to stay.

Although EU border guards are already allowed to ask these questions, the inquiries could become more frequent under the new investigation.

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Despite warnings that passengers may have to wait longer to reach their destinations, passengers have been told to follow guidance established by travel operators such as Eurostar, and only arrive earlier than usual if advised to do so.

The EU has introduced the EES to help crack down on overstayers and monitor compliance with the 90-day visa-free travel rule.

Ministers have said they are working with the EU to ensure the EES rollout 'runs as smoothly as possible.' Passengers' passports were checked at Heathrow Airport. — Ministers have said they are working with the EU to ensure the EES rollout ‘runs as smoothly as possible.’ Passengers’ passports were checked at Heathrow Airport. ,the countryside,

Border Protection Minister, Alex Norris, said: “We recognize that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout runs as smoothly as possible.

“The UK and the EU have a shared objective of securing our borders, and these modernization measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration”.

Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, said: “We have delivered £10.5m of support to help our ports and operators prepare for the EU’s new entry-exit system, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.

“Our priority is to minimize disruption to passengers and freight carriers, especially at our busiest border crossings. We will continue to work closely with European partners and local resilience platforms to ensure traffic flows and travel remain smooth.”