Across Europe, a new era of travel dawns: one without passport stamps.

As of April 10, all travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries must be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border points under the new entry and exit system (EES).

The EES is a digital system that replaces physical passport stamps at border points across the European Union, and people with passports from non-EU countries, including the UK, are required to use it.

Travel experts and the Home Office alike have already warned travellers of potential delays, with some predictions flagging waits of up to four hours.

Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, the travel agent and tour operator association, previously warned: ‘Because of the checks, you might need to prepare for delays with extra water and snacks.’

Now, airlines have chimed in, too.

Ahead of the system’s introduction, on April 1, easyJet issued a message for passengers: prepare to wait in line.

Guidance on the budget airline’s website reads: ‘Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry /Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed.

‘This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken, including your face and fingerprints scanned.’

EasyJet isn’t the only budget carrier to warn passengers to prepare. Jet2 had advised travellers, particularly those holidaying in popular destinations like Spain and Greece, to read up on the new system.

The airline’s website suggests: ‘There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK.

‘We’re really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately this is outside of our control.’

How does the EES system work in the EU?

Most travellers from outside the EU, known as third-country nationals, will be required to register their passport details and biometric data when crossing into an EU country for the first time.

Biometric data includes fingerprints and facial pictures. Borders are likely to be kitted with self-service kiosks where passengers can input this information.

This data, as well as the entry and exit details, will be stored for subsequent visits.

Future visits will only require a verification of the biometric data, which can speed up the process.

Border officials will then also ask extra questions about accommodation, whether travellers have enough money for the trip, insurance and a return ticket.

Children are not exempt from the checks, although children under 12 do not need to give fingerprints; however, they will also need to have their faces scanned.

Will EES checks happen in the UK?

Usually, the checks will be carried out at the destination airport or port on arrival. The only exceptions are the Port of Dover, St Pancras International, and Folkestone.

As such, travellers heading to the EU will go through the checks there, as these are dual British and French border locations.

The new system applies to the 25 EU countries, plus Schengen members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Manual passport stamping will still be used in non-Schengen countries such as Ireland and Cyprus.

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