A significant portion of UK adults are reportedly unaware of the new EU biometric border controls set to take effect from October this year, a recent survey indicates. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which introduces biometric checks including fingerprint scans and facial recognition, aims to enhance border security but has also raised concerns among potential British travellers.

According to the survey conducted by Co-op Insurance, approximately 63% of UK adults are not aware of the upcoming changes. This lack of awareness comes despite the system’s implementation date fast approaching on October 6. The new measures will apply to British and non-EU passport holders entering the EU, requiring them to undergo stringent checks that will record and store their biometric data for up to three years.

The survey further reveals that nearly a quarter of British respondents (22%) are deterred by the thought of these new requirements, fearing longer waits at borders and potential privacy issues. The research highlights a general apprehension towards the changes, with 46% of those concerned citing discomfort with the idea of their personal information being stored, and 38% worried about the expected delays at border controls.

In response to these concerns, several UK officials, including Lord Cameron, James Cleverly, and Mark Harper, have discussed the implications of the EES with French ministers. Reports suggest potential disruptions at key points such as Dover for the Eurotunnel and St Pancras International for the Eurostar, with French officials conducting the EES checks.

The system is part of a broader move towards digital borders in the EU following Brexit, which saw the UK categorized as a ‘third country’ outside the free movement rights within the EU bloc. It replaces traditional passport stamping and is designed to streamline entry and exit processes, though practical concerns about increased waiting times persist.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also been involved in discussions about the EES, particularly with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. Despite other topics dominating recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, the EES remains a critical point of upcoming logistical adjustments for UK travellers to the EU.

In addition to the EES, the EU plans to introduce Etias, a visa waiver system similar to the US ESTA, by mid-2025. This system will require a fee and is aimed at further securing EU borders while maintaining efficient travel flows.

As the introduction of the EES looms, the impact on travel times, privacy concerns, and overall travellers experience remains a significant topic of discussion, shaping the travel dynamics between the UK and the EU in the post-Brexit era.