British travellers heading to EU countries will soon face stricter border checks. Starting in November, every UK citizen entering the Schengen zone will be required to exit their vehicle for fingerprint and facial scans. Indeed, British travellers to face fingerprint scans may encounter longer waiting times at borders.
This move follows a delay in the European Union’s biometric entry-exit system. The program was initially scheduled for 2024 but postponed due to software development issues. The new checks will replace the traditional stamping of passports and enable more automated tracking of visitor stays. With British travellers to face fingerprint scans, the transition aims to improve security measures across all entry points.
The Port of Dover confirmed the changes will begin in the autumn. Officials have said it will still be “business as usual” over the summer. However, from November, major changes will begin to take effect for British travellers, who will face fingerprint scans as part of the new procedure.
Each UK passenger will have to step out of their car or bus for biometric screening. Their fingerprints and facial images will be matched with passport numbers. This will happen on every trip until a new digital app becomes operational.
The EU’s border agency Frontex is developing an app to make this process easier. The app would allow UK Border Force staff to scan travellers inside their vehicles using tablets. However, Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said the technology will not be ready before November.
Even after the app is launched, travellers will still need to provide biometric data at the border on their first few trips. This requirement is expected to remain in place until the new system reaches full functionality.
Authorities are making significant infrastructure upgrades in Kent to reduce delays. With the increase of British travellers to face fingerprint scans, the Port of Dover is reclaiming 13 hectares of land to better accommodate travellers during the new checks.
The upcoming changes apply to all non-EU citizens, including those from the UK. Each person must be individually verified under the new entry system. The transition aims to improve border security and replace outdated passport stamping methods.
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