UK holidaymakers face major change as new EU passport rules confirmed
The UK Government today announced that the European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin in October. The EES is a digital border control platform that will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area, including countries such as Spain and Greece.
It forms part of the EU's broader digital transformation of border management, which aims to improve security, detect overstays, and streamline border procedures. Approved last week by the European Parliament with a vote of 572 to 42 (with 67 abstentions), the EES introduces biometric registration and automated entry logs at external EU borders
According to GOV.UK, from October 12, Brits will need to create a digital record on their first visit to the Schengen area, either at the port or airport on arrival. They will also be required to submit fingerprints and have their photos taken at dedicated booths.
They may also be required to answer the Schengen Border Code questions. Travellers will not need to provide any information before arriving in a Schengen country.
The travel insider, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, said: "While the Entry/Exit System is primarily about immigration control rather than security screening or boarding, it will still likely have an impact on overall passenger flow, especially at border control points.
"Biometric capture and passport scanning should be able to process multiple passengers simultaneously and reduce border queues, helping passengers reach security and boarding gates more quickly.
"Since the Exit/Entry system will hold recent travel history and biometric data, less time per passenger should be needed, especially for regular or low-risk travellers.
"It also means airlines and border authorities will have more accurate, real-time information about who has entered or exited the Schengen area.
"That should help reduce cases of denied boarding due to visa overstays or documentation issues, which can delay flight departures."
Advice posted on GOV.UK states: "If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
"EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
"If you frequently travel to the Schengen area for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days.
"You must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual Member State you plan to travel to, or through."
The countries in the Schengen area are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Scottish Sun
Summer getaway hell as 1,000s of drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic at Dover with delays of up to 90 minutes
Just last weekend a staggering 3 million drivers hit the road GRIDLOCKED Summer getaway hell as 1,000s of drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic at Dover with delays of up to 90 minutes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of drivers are stuck in huge queues at the Port of Dover, as Brits head off on their summer getaways. Holidaymakers have been warned of 90 minute delays leading up to border checks this morning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 It is one of the busiest times of year to travel Credit: Stuart Brock 4 Motorists have been told to expect queues of 90 minutes Credit: Stuart Brock 4 The Port of Dover is a popular travel route for Brits heading to France and, then, onto Europe Credit: Stuart Brock A Port of Dover spokesperson warned: "Processing time in the Buffer Zone is approximately 90 minutes. "There are no queues at the check-in plaza, but the port approach roads are still very busy and congested. "TAP procedures are in place for freight. We wish everyone a safe journey!" The end of July and beginning of August are some of the most popular times for Brits to go abroad. However, the huge surge in journeys to airports and staycation destinations means more people will be on the roads than ever. The Port of Dover is a popular travel route for Brits heading to France and, then, onto Europe. Just last weekend a staggering 3 million drivers hit the road, amid the dreaded 'Saturday Scramble'. Meanwhile queues became so big on Thursday last week drivers exited their cars and waited by the side of the road - despite warnings that this was unsafe. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover, has previously said that the organisation has been 'preparing for a busy summer'. He said: 'We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too. 'That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season.' This year's summer getaway is expected to see the biggest number of midweek car trips made since records began. Experts at the RAC estimated drivers planning 13.9million journeys between Monday July 21 and Thursday 24 July. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said:'Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic but this year we're expecting 'midweek mayhem'. 'We typically see a peak on 'Frantic Friday' when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned. "To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours. 'If a getaway journey involves hours in the car, it's essential to be well rested and fresh for the trip. "If possible, share the driving with another passenger to ensure concentration levels stay high, while those travelling with children should pack plenty of entertainment to keep them occupied and minimise questions of 'are we there yet?'. Water, snacks and phone chargers are essential! 'Before setting off, drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down, like checking oil and coolant levels as well as the condition and tread on all tyres. "There's also still time to book an RAC Mobile Mechanic who can carry out a wide range of repairs at home or work, as well conducting a full or interim service.' The busy port has undergone a huge renovation in recent months, which reportedly cost a £6billion. Previously only able to accommodate ships with a maximum length of 320m, it can now allow boats of up to 350m to moor at Dover. A statement from the Port of Dover following the upgrade said that it can now welcome 'some of the largest cruise ships in the world'. They will have room for bigger ships from the likes of Disney, MSC, Norwegian and Princess.
Scottish Sun
31 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of Brits could get £1,000s in compensation from six lawsuits – from Mastercard fees to loans, can you claim?
Read on to find out which lawsuits are ongoing and if you are due compensation RECLAIM YOUR CASH Millions of Brits could get £1,000s in compensation from six lawsuits – from Mastercard fees to loans, can you claim? MILLIONS of Brits could get thousands of pounds in compensation after being overcharged on their loans or bills. Several major collective lawsuits have been launched in the past year and consumers may be able to cash in. 1 You could be in line for compensation from one of these class action lawsuits These legal cases are called class action lawsuits and help to chase compensation for millions of consumers that have been let down by companies. In these cases one person usually takes a company to court on behalf of all consumers. The cases have become popular in the UK after changes introduced in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The act allowed a new 'opt-out' collective action system in the UK, which lets groups of consumers pursue claims against companies for breaches of competition law, including fixing prices or restricting supply. Scott Dixon, who runs The Complaints Resolver, said: 'Many familiar names including easyJet, VW and M&S have been caught up in these class action claims. 'You may only get a few hundred pounds, but it's power in numbers.' It is worth noting that legal cases can take time to go to trial and pay out customers. If you are affected by a class action lawsuit then you do not need to do anything to get compensation if the claim is successful. We have rounded up the cases that are currently ongoing and those that could lead to you getting your money back. Homeowners hit with 'secret' insurance charges Some 20,000 people who own flats in the UK are taking legal action against the companies that own their apartment blocks. Legal letters claim freeholders - the building owners - took commission fees when they arranged the building insurance. The freeholders were allegedly paid the fees by insurance companies in exchange for buying their products. These were then added to the cost of the buildings insurance by the freeholders or their agents, and the total amount was then charged to the flat owners in the form of service charges without their knowledge, the leaseholders claim. The flat owners believe this was secretly added to the service charges they paid. Collective claims for compensation Lawsuits that result in compensation for many people are often referred to as "class actions". In England and Wales a Group Litigation Order (GLO) is often used for this kind of lawsuit. Collective Proceedings Orders (CPOs) are also used for claims of breaching competition law. Collective action has been made easier under the UK's Consumer Rights Act 2015. It means the courts can treat similar claims as one, rather than having hundreds or even thousands of separate individual claims. There are a number of stages to bringing this kind of lawsuit, including the courts needing to give permission. Both sides can also appeal decisions at various stages making it a lengthy process with no guarantee of a payout. Lawyers have urged Brits to join several other collective claims for compensation in recent years. There is no cost to sign up, but the firm will usually take a cut of any payout if the claim is successful to cover legal costs. There's no guarantee of a payout and collective claims of this type have not yet been fully tested in court. Lawyers have suggested that each flat owner could be awarded up to £3,500 in compensation. They have also suggested that up to 900,000 homeowners who own flats in multi-occupancy blocks could be affected. Velitor Law, the firm taking the class action lawsuit, has written to four of the UK's largest freeholders - E&J Estates, Consensus Business Group, Long Harbour and Ground Rents Income Funds - to recoup the fees. It is expected that around two dozen landlords, who control the leaseholds for close to 900,000 homes, may be subject to the Leaseholder Action claim. The claim seeks to recover a minimum of six years' worth of commissions from landlords. However, lawyers have applied to suspend the usual period of limitation, which in certain cases could see the claim stretch back as far as 1997. Liam Spender, the lawyer at Velitor Law, said: 'This first set of landlords are now on notice of this claim and they are now going to have to answer in court.' The firm said a second tranche of legal letters to landlords will be issued before the end of the year. The Sun has contacted all four freeholders involved for comment. They all deny any wrongdoing. Shoppers overcharged by credit card companies Millions of shoppers are due to receive £70 each after a tribunal approved a settlement in a lawsuit against Mastercard. The verdict came after a long-running legal case dating back almost a decade. The action was brought by Walter Merricks, a former financial ombudsman, who argued that shoppers were charged higher prices after fees were wrongly levied on transactions made between 1992 and 2008. You do not need to have owned a Mastercard at any point to be eligible for compensation. Consumers can claim compensation if they lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland for at least three months between June 1997 and June 2008. They need to have bought goods or services from UK businesses that accepted Mastercard credit cards. For those who live in Scotland the starting point is May 1992. The settlement is worth £200million and half of this has been ringfenced for consumers, who have until the end of the year to claim. Around 2.5million people are expected to come forward. If this number does make a claim they will each receive £45. But if fewer people apply then the payments will be capped at £70 per person. iPhone users could get share of £3billion lawsuit Consumer group Which? is leading a claim against Apple on behalf of 40million UK customers. The £3billion class action lawsuit claimed the tech giant breached competition law by 'forcing its iCloud services on customers'. It said Apple encouraged users to sign up for an iCloud subscription to store photos, videos and other data, which meant it favoured its own products. Which? argued the company also made it difficult for customers to use other products, which ultimately stifled competition. The consumer group said it is acting on behalf of all UK consumers that used iCloud from October 1, 2015. The first court date in the claim will be heard in the Competition Appeal Tribunal on November 19-21. During the hearing the tribunal will decide whether Which?'s legal claim against Apple is appropriate to go ahead on a 'collective' basis. Energy bill-payers could be due hundreds of pounds A former head of the UK's gas regulator is leading a claim against energy companies on behalf of customers. Clare Spottiswoode has been authorised by the Competition Appeal Tribunal to act as the class representative in the lawsuit, which she hopes will prove that households were overcharged for their energy between 1999 and 2009. The overcharging comes as a result of companies which sold high voltage and underwater electricity cables running a cartel. They were fined for doing this by the European Commission in 2014. Anyone who has paid an energy bill in Britain since 2001 is eligible to be included in the lawsuit. Lawyers hope to recoup hundreds of millions of pounds. Victims of data breaches could get thousands There are several actions against firms that have been negligent by allowing data breaches, which put customer information at risk. Among them is a collective action against Marks & Spencer after its data breach earlier this year. The proceedings are being led by Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors, on behalf of Scottish victims of the hack. The hack exposed sensitive customer information and left hundreds of people worried about their online safety. It is unclear how much victims could be entitled to as the case is still in its early stages. Compensation for mis-sold car finance loans Thousands of motorists will get a share of £20billion in compensation for undisclosed broker commission arrangements. The Court of Appeal ruled in October that the firms broke the law by not telling borrowers about the broker commission terms. This is because banks allowed car dealerships and brokers to set their own interest rates on loans. Under these now-banned discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), dealerships and brokers had a financial incentive to charge higher interest rates, as this would increase their commission. But many customers were not aware of this practice. The case was taken to the Supreme Court, where it was decided that customers will be compensated. Lenders are all now liable to pay out £20billion in compensation. It is not yet clear when customers will begin to receive this compensation, which is likely to be administered through a formal redress scheme. What are class action lawsuits? Lawsuits that result in compensation for many people are often described as 'class action'. In England and Wales, a Group Litigation Order (GLO) is often used for this type of lawsuit. Class action lawsuits have become easier after the Consumer Rights Act 2015. It means that courts can group similar claims together, rather than having to deal with hundreds or even thousands of separate claims. There are several stages to bring this type of lawsuit, including the courts needing to give permission for a GLO. Both sides can appeal a decision at various stages, which can make the process lengthy without a guarantee of a payout. The Mastercard case was the first of these big claims to be launched after the changes were introduced in 2015. It was first launched in 2017 and consumers have not yet received compensation. Lawyers have urged Brits to join several other class action claims for compensation in the past few years. There is no cost to sign up but the firm will usually take a cut of a payout if the claim is successful. This money is used to cover legal costs and it can be as high as 30%. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Trump's stunning 39% tariff give Swiss watches hard time
The Swiss government said it viewed the White House's new tariffs with "great regret." The Swiss Federal Council said it remained in contact with U.S. authorities about the tariffs and "continues to strive for a negotiated solution." Guitars, bagels and booze: How Canadians became reluctant warriors in Trump tariff fight Only Laos and Myanmar (also known as Burma), at 40%, and Syria, at 41%, fared worse than Switzerland in terms of Trump's fresh tariffs on their goods. The Alpine country now has until Aug. 7 to work out a trade deal with the United States or chocolate, jewellery and, yes, watches, will be subject to levies more than double the 15% rate for most European Union imports into the United States. Switzerland's pharmaceuticals sector was not included in the tariffs. Switzerland shipped about $63 billion of goods to the United States in 2024, according to the office of the United States Trade Representative. That's about one-sixth of its total exports. Going the other way, goods exported from the United States to Switzerland totaled an estimated $25 billion last year, a trade deficit of $38 billion. The U.S. was Switzerland's top market in 2024 for perhaps its most famous good: timepieces. They accounted for about 17% of exports, or about $5.4 billion, according to Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. July jobs report: employers added 73,000 jobs; unemployment rises Still, for the Swiss watch, Trump's 39% tariffs may amount to bad timing. The industry has struggled with weak demand from China, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry says. The trade uncertainty unleashed by Trump's tariffs over the last few months has meanwhile boosted the value of the Swiss franc currency, making the nation's watches more expensive for tourists who buy them while on vacation. Over the last decade, some brands of Swiss watch have also lost out on market share to the Apple Watch. Overall, Swiss watch exports have been falling. They were down as much as 10% in May. More: Trump's new tariffs slam trading partners, U.S. stock market: Live updates Financial markets in Switzerland were closed for a national holiday on Aug. 1, giving respite to the shares prices of producers such as Richemont and Swatch Group. But Watches of Switzerland Group, a retailer that sells Rolex and other timepieces in the United Kingdom and the United States, saw its U.K.-listed share prices fall nearly 8%. Critics of tariffs argue that the additional costs of goods are typically passed to the consumer. Analysts at Jefferies Global Research and Strategy told Bloomberg that if the 39% tariff goes ahead for Switzerland, it could require price increases in the United States for Swiss watches of more than 20%.
