EU urged to end ultra strict checks on British tourists entering Europe
New rules coming into place in November could cause huge disruption for Brits travelling to Europe.
The British Government has called on the European Union (EU) to reduce checks for Brits travelling abroad to prevent further travel delays.
Brussels has been asked to water down its border fingerprint checks as the new Labour government tries to ease tensions between the UK and EU.
This comes as Brits are poised to have their fingerprints scanned, photos taken, and passports looked at when traveling to Europe. The new checks come in from November 17 as part of a new entry and exit system (EES).
Seema Malhotra, the immigration minister, told the House of Commons that the Government is urging the EU and its members to extend emergency measures and fast-track visitors.
Ms Malhotra said: “We believe that extending these beyond six months would improve throughput at the EU’s external border if queues form during peak periods in early 2025 due to the additional processing time required for EES."
The UK has already been warned that disruption and long queues are likely when the new measures are implemented in November.
Not only could there be long queues in Dover, but the Eurotunnel could also see disruption. Ms Malhotra added: “Insufficient progress has been made on ensuring that these impacts (as well as other potential impacts) are minimised – with disruption likely when the scheme is introduced."
“This is particularly true for journeys involving travel through London St Pancras, Eurotunnel in Folkestone and the Port of Dover.”
EES is an automated system that checks travellers from outside the EU.
After the UK left the EU, UK passport holders are now only allowed to stay in EU countries for 90 days in a 180 day period visa-free.
