Scottish tourists are being warned of potential major delays and four-hour queues when visiting EU countries as they implement a new passport control system. The much-anticipated new Entry/Exit System (EES) launched yesterday, October 12, and now requires UK travellers to supply extra information.

Now, non-EU citizens will be required to register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph, rather than having officials manually stamp their passports. Cyprus and Ireland will be the only countries that will continue to stamp passports.

Travellers have now been warned that, as the system is gradually rolled out in Europe over the next six months, they should arrive early and expect longer queues at the airport. Travellers will need to create a digital record during their first trip to the Schengen zone at the port or airport on arrival. They will be required to provide their fingerprints and pose for a photograph at designated booths.

Travellers won't be required to submit any details before journeying to a Schengen zone country; however, if they are flying to a country within the Schengen area, they should expect extended waiting times on arrival at their destination, according to the Express.

For those travelling to the Schengen area via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be gathered at the border before they leave the UK. Children under 12 will not be required to provide their fingerprints, but will need to have their faces scanned.

The data being collected includes the information listed in your travel documents, the date and place of each entry and exit, a facial image, fingerprints, and whether you were refused entry.

It will be used by countries to identify those who aren't allowed to enter, those using fake identities, and to help prevent and investigate serious crimes.

Travellers will need to register their details at purpose-built booths on their first visit to the affected countries. Nothing needs to be done before arriving. EES registration is free and valid for three years before it must be renewed.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided a warning through its social media channel X last week The FCDO Travel Advice account shared: "Got a flight booked to the EU this autumn?

"Next week, on 12 October 2025, the EU will begin to introduce new border checks. This means you may have your fingerprints and photo taken when you land." Additional information regarding the new entry/exit system was made available on GOV.UK.

"If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and/or a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.

"You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration." Officials also warned: "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."

What happens when using the new EU entry-exit system as it's launch gets underway - Daily Record