October travel rule change warning as 'families could miss flights'

The countdown is on for the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), and a warning has been issued that the changes could see families miss their flights. From 12 October, non-EU citizens will be required to provide fingerprints and a facial scan when entering the EU.

Travel specialists are cautioning that these additional checks, coupled with widespread lack of awareness of the new rules, could result in "double red tape" at borders, just as families set off for the bustling half-term break. A government survey revealed that over two-thirds of UK travellers are oblivious to the upcoming changes.

The risk isn't merely a few extra minutes in line. Unprepared travellers could trigger knock-on delays for hundreds of others, potentially leading to missed trains and flights at major hubs like Dover and St Pancras, reports Bristol Live.

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Yasmin Peskel, a travel expert at motor yacht firm Blue Cruise, has described the October half-term rush as a "ticking clock". Yasmin warned: "If airports and ports aren't fully prepared, and people don't know what's expected of them, you've got a perfect storm of long queues, confusion, and families missing departures. Awareness is everything right now."

Three ways to avoid delays under the EES

Arrive early: airlines typically suggest getting to the airport 2–3 hours before your flight, but with the new EES registration process in place, adding an extra hour (or even more if you're travelling with kids) could save you a lot of hassle. As both border staff and travellers adjust to the system, queues are anticipated.

Have your documents ready: keep your passport at hand and be prepared to follow the instructions for the biometric checks. A smooth process for one person helps keep the entire queue moving, while delays caused by fumbling with paperwork could cause a ripple effect through the line.

Be prepared for additional questions: the EES will monitor a traveller's 90-day allowance in the EU. Border officers may inquire about your trip, accommodation, or the duration of your stay. Clear, straightforward responses will help keep the process flowing smoothly.

Yasmin stated: "The EES is a fundamental change to how we enter the EU. If people take it seriously and prepare, they'll get through it fine. But if they treat it like the old system, the risk of starting your holiday in chaos is very real."

New questions for Brit tourists under EES

Anyone departing the UK and heading to countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal will face a series of new questions aimed at tightening border security from October this year. The EU's new Entry/Exit System is being rolled out this autumn and you will notice changes when you next travel to Europe from the UK.

Grant Winter, a compliance officer at Good To Go Travel Insurance, has shed light on the upcoming changes, saying: "The EES is scheduled to launch on October 12, 2025 and is being introduced to modernise how Europe manages its borders. One of the main aims is to improve security by making it easier to spot overstayers, detect identity fraud, and prevent irregular migration. With the potential for longer queues in the early stages, the system should speed up processing with faster, more reliable checks.

"Border guards might ask questions to check you meet Schengen entry requirements, so be prepared to answer standard inquiries like 'Why are you travelling?', 'Where will you be staying?', and 'Do you have a ticket proving when you'll leave?'

"You might also be asked if you have valid travel insurance. This ensures you are protected financially against unforeseen circumstances while you are abroad, and that you have access to emergency medical treatment to avoid any unexpected costs, whether it's travel insurance for medical conditions, for minor injuries, or serious emergencies."

He further advised: "I advise leaving extra time for your journey, especially in the first stages of the system's rollout. Keep important documents like proof of funds, your accommodation information, and travel insurance, with you and easily accessible."

All non-EU nationals, including Brits, will be required to submit biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans at the border. Experts have warned that this change could lead to widespread delays across Europe's busiest travel hubs, including airports, ferry ports, and Eurostar terminals.