Holidaymakers have been warned to leave an extra four hours when travelling from this weekend onwards.
It comes in response to the new EU border system, which begins on October 12.
A key figure in the travel industry has warned that British travellers should allow up to four hours from landing for delays at European airports while the system comes into effect.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, told the BBC Today programme about the impact of Europe’s digital borders scheme.
There are concerns that many airports – particularly in southern Europe – could struggle to cope with the number of travellers passing through.
Julia said: ‘The concern will be, when you have flights arriving at one of these airports at the same time, it’s already a bottleneck – this is going to add even more of an issue.
‘So our advice is actually to make sure, where possible, you’re leaving yourself between three and four hours from the point of entry.’
She added: ‘You may be going for a concert, you may be going for a meeting, you may be going for a wedding, for a cruise.
There are concerns that many airports could struggle to cope with traveller numbers (stock)
‘If you’re not leaving yourself enough time and you unfortunately arrive at an airport where there is a bottleneck, which in a lot of places there are already, this is going to add another layer of frustration and delay.’
Not all airports and flights will be using the system.
While its implementation starts on Sunday, there will be a gradual rollout of the scheme during the next six months.
The digital system begins on October 12 for arrivals into the EU and will require non-EU passport holders and those crossing Schengen borders to provide biometric data and fingerprints.
Passengers will need to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk.
The system will replace passport stamping for visitors to Europe’s Schengen area.
The system will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (such as fingerprints) and the date and place of entry and exit.
It comes amid fears the rules will create queues.
It comes in response to the new EU border system, which comes into force from October 12
Holidaymakers this month are being warned to expect longer waits at airports.
Those travelling this month, during the school holidays, should leave extra time to accommodate delays.
The system aims to crack down on crime and enforce the 90-day stay limit, which applies to British travellers and other third-country nationals, within any 180-day period.
It will collect data from passengers when they enter or leave at an external Schengen border: this includes international airports, sea ports, railway stations and road crossings.
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Holidaymakers warned to ‘leave extra FOUR hours’ over new EU entry-exit system
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