Scots urged to remember EU border checks when travelling abroad
The UK Government urged families to check ahead before travelling to Europe during the summer holidays.
Scots going to Europe over the summer have been urged to remember the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).
The UK Government said families should follow the advice of their travel operators before heading abroad.
EES, which replaces passport stamps, digitally records each time a non-EU national enters or exits the Schengen area.
The system covers Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland.
The technology works by verifying a person’s biometrics and passport details at the border.
Most of the time, EES border checks happen at passport control on arrival to and when leaving an EU country.
However, some travellers – including those using Eurostar, Le Shuttle and ferries from Dover – complete their entry checks before leaving the UK.
EES checks usually take a few minutes per person, although they may be longer during busier times.
Border security minister Alex Norris said: “As the school summer holidays begin in Scotland, it’s important that those heading abroad remember the EU’s Entry/Exit checks.
“We encourage all families to follow travel operator guidance to know when to arrive at airports and ports and what to expect.
“While this is an EU scheme, we continue working closely with European partners and the travel industry on keeping journeys smooth.”