NEW entry rules for Brits entering the EU have been pushed back until next year.
Experts have warned that the new system, which replaces the stamping of passports when entering and leaving EU countries, will cause big delays once it is implemented.
However, that will no longer be a concern this year, as it will not be put in place until 2024, possibly even as late as November.
This is not the first time that the rollout has been pushed back, with the new system initially meant to be in place from the end of 2022.
It was subsequently pushed back to May 2023, then to the end of this year, before this latest setback.
A delay with the central data system is to blame, according to the Independent, who report that a formal announcement is expected to come in June.
Read More on Passports
I was banned from my flight and left £700 out of pocket due to passport mistake
The new passport scams conning Brits out of hundreds of pounds
Concerns have been raised about the new system, which will check travellers' names, biometric data including fingerprints and facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit.
Some officials have warned it could extend border checks from 45 seconds to as much as 10 minutes, including at Dover.
Tim Reardon, head of EU exit for the Dover Harbour Board, previously said: “There is no way of doing a biometric control without getting everyone out of the vehicle."
Similar problems are also expected to affect Eurostar, with the train's strategy director adding: "We don’t currently see a practical solution."
Most read in News Travel
Beautiful UK seaside town is compared to a Greek island
UK airport with plans for 15-minute flights to France is an hour from London
Inside 'UK's most welcoming town' where locals leave their keys in their cars
European trains will take Brits to Italy without flying – here's how
And it's not only Brits who have highlighted concerns with the new system either.
After running trials, the Slovenian government told The Independent that the new system "takes up to four times longer to do".
Austria have also warned that process times would at least "double compared to the current situation" while Croatia said that border checks would "certainly be significantly longer".
The earliest we might see the implementation of the new rules now is reported to be May 2024.
However, the French government aren't keen on that idea, due to the Paris Olympics being held from July 26 to August 11.
Olympic organisers fear that that the new system could add unnecessary chaos to the French borders at a time when thousands are visiting to watch or participate in the games.
Instead, it could be as late as November 2024 when the changes are finally brought in.
The new system isn't the only thing that will affect Brits heading to Europe in 2024, with the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are also set to come into force.
Brits will have to pay £6 visa to enter Europe from the start of next year.
The ETIAS will allow visitors to enter 30 European countries as often as they want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period.
Under 18s will be exempt from the system.
Read More on The Sun
I transformed my window with a £3.50 buy – now my neighbour can’t see in
Woman buys Amazon returns on the cheap & rakes in a huge profit
Meanwhile, there are also a number of new passport rules for Brits, which have caught some holidaymakers out.
And here's how certain passport stamps could prevent you from travelling in Europe.
Source: Read Full Article
