Millions of British holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer will face new passport control rules under the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES). Most arrivals must scan their passport, have their photo taken, and provide four fingerprint scans. However, the UK Government has confirmed that children under 12 will not be fingerprinted, though all travellers, including babies, will still have their photographs taken and digital records created.
Exemptions for Irish Passport Holders
British travellers holding a non-UK passport, such as an Irish passport, may also be exempt from the EES. More than 300,000 Brits are estimated to hold both UK and Irish passports, a figure that has risen sharply since Brexit. These tourists will likely bypass the new rules entirely.
Details of the New Entry/Exit System
Once enrolled, digital records remain valid for three years or until the passport expires. The EES applies to all Schengen area countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
Impact on British Tourists
The changes are expected to affect millions of UK holidaymakers this summer. The exemption for children under 12 and Irish passport holders provides some relief, but most travellers must comply with the new biometric checks. According to the Mirror, the rules aim to enhance border security across the Schengen zone.
