EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force

EU fingerprint and photo travel rules come into force31 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKaty AustinTransport correspondent BBCPeople wait to go through departures at Eurostar's London St Pancras terminusThe EU's new digital border system which requires fingerprints and photos alongside a passport scan is set to be fully operational from Friday.This was the deadline for the Entry/Exit System or EES, to be active at every Schengen border crossing point in all 29 participating countries.The system began being gradually introduced from October to strengthen security and ultimately make travel smoother, though due to some hiccups, not every point will be fully rolling it out.There have been long queues at some European airports and warnings that delays could be worse during busy holiday periods.What is EES and where is it being introduced?EES is a digital system designed to keep track of when non-EU citizens - including those from the UK - enter and leave the Schengen Area.This covers 29 European countries - mainly in the EU - which people can travel across without border controls.It includes many popular destinations for UK travellers, such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.Under the new system, fingerprints and a photo have to be registered.EES will eventually replace the current system of passports being stamped by a border officer. Will I need to use EES when I go on holiday?When you first encounter EES will depend on where you're travelling to, and when. If you're flying, you will go through the process when you land at European airports. The gradual introduction of EES began on 12 October, and the plan was to phase it in over six months. There have already been hours-long queues at pinch points. Airports have warned things could get worse over upcoming holiday periods.Travellers arriving at popular ski destination Geneva experienced long delays due to the system earlier this year.Travel experts have told the BBC that the...