A new rule will require UK tourists to register their fingerprints when entering 29 EU countries(Image: (Image: Getty))

The 29 EU countries Brits must soon give fingerprints

by · NottinghamshireLive

Brits heading on holiday to 29 countries will soon need to provide fingerprints and a facial image as part of a new EU travel system. The Entry-Exit System (EES) will be rolled out in phases this year and will register non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area.

The system, which was originally planned for 2024 but was delayed, will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric data collection. This will affect popular destinations such as Spain, France, Greece, and Italy. The biometric data of UK tourists will be stored digitally for up to three years from their last visit.

The European Union has explained the process, stating: "If you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time since the EES started you will have to provide your personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face. This information will be recorded in a digital file. Your passport (biometric or non-biometric) will not be stamped."

They added: "If you have crossed the borders of the European countries using the EES more than once since the EES started, your fingerprints or the photo of your face will already be recorded in the EES," reports Chronicle Live.

"The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.

"If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point). If your digital file is clear of any impediments to travel, you will usually not need to go via a passport control officer."

Travellers should be aware that the EES is not currently in operation but is set to launch later this year. Under the new entry rules, you'll be asked to scan your fingerprints and take a photo of your face.

The EU clarifies that for the purpose of the EES, 'non-EU national' refers to a traveller who does not hold the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. 'Short stay' is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES. Entries and exits, or entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES, but in Cyprus and Ireland - despite being EU countries - passports will still be stamped manually.

The 29 European countries where the EES will be in operation are:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland