Are You Heading to Europe this year? If so, be warned to brace for longer airport queues as the European Union rolls out new border rules from April 10.
The new EU Border changes, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to travellers from outside the EU. It will be replacing passport stamping with a digital process.
Under the changes, visitors entering the Schengen zone for short stays will need to provide the following. Fingerprints, a facial scan and additional travel information on arrival.
The system is designed to improve security and track overstays. But early signs suggest the new system could slow things down at the borders. There have already been hiccups. Portugal temporarily suspended the system last year after major bottlenecks at Lisbon Airport, where wait times reportedly blew out to several hours.
Airport and airline groups say processing times have already increased by up to 70 per cent during the rollout phase. Waits of up to two hours have been reported at busy times.
If you are heading to Europe be aware of the new EU border changes. Particularly during the busy summer months, be prepared to wait. So the message is simple. Allow extra time at the airport for the slower arrival process.
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