EU biometric entry-exit system to start in October

As visa-waiver travel permit almost trebles in price to £17

- SIMON CALDER TRAVEL CORRESPONDENT

Europe's much-delayed entry-exit system (EES) will begin to apply to some travellers from the UK to the EU on 12 October this year.

The scheme will connect all Schengen area frontiers to a central database. The aim is to digitise border crossings so that the comings and goings of non-EU citizens can be more closely monitored. It will help to identify suspected criminals, and to monitor the limit on stays of 90 days in any 180 days, which applies to UK citizens and travellers of other nationalities.

The newly declared date means that some British passport holders heading away for October half-term holidays will need to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics.