UK passport holders sent alert ahead of big travel change on October 12

British passport holders have been issued a crucial warning as sweeping changes are due to come into effect from October, following another travel alert issued just days ago. Anyone jetting off this year, or planning a getaway for next year, needs to be aware of these upcoming alterations that will soon be implemented.

The vital travel guidance was recently highlighted by Sam Ward, who goes by samwardsays on TikTok, and regularly updates followers on such developments online. In a latest video, he encouraged people to familiarise themselves with the fresh regulations, as they will affect how Brits travel to and from the UK. Whilst it might not be welcome news, UK travellers have been cautioned that the modifications could lead to extended airport delays.

However, there's no need to panic, as the travel content creator has offered tips on how you might try to beat the queues. Sam explained: "From October 2025, if you're travelling from the UK to Europe, your passport experience is about to change."

The influencer explained: "The EU is finally launching its Entry/Exit system, known as EES. Every UK traveller entering or leaving the Schengen area will be digitally recorded. That means at the border, you'll give your passport, have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned the first time you use the system," reports the Daily Record.

The EES will begin on October 12, 2025, but will not be implemented everywhere at once, states Sam, who added that "there will be a transition period until April 2026, where some airports will still stamp passports while the system is phased in.

"After that, stamping should be replaced by these digital checks. This only applies to the Schengen zone though - which is most of the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland," he shared.

"Ireland and Cyprus are not included so those border rules will stay the same. It could mean longer queues at first as everyone gets used to fingerprints and face scans."

He advised those planning a trip in October to "give yourself some extra time at the airport, and make sure you're ready for the new checks when you land at the other airport".

Just last month, Government officials issued fresh guidance to help British citizens grasp the upcoming changes. Ministers confirmed that from October 12, Brussels will roll out EES for UK and non-EU nationals making short-term visits.

Described as a "computerised system", EES demands travellers register at border control deaks by scanning their passports and submitting fingerprints alongside photographs. The obligation will take effect when travelling to Schengen-area countries including: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, but won't be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.

When British travellers first enter a participating country following EES implementation, registration will be compulsory. This registration will remain valid for a three-year rolling period, or until their passport runs out.

The website explains: "Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but, under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.

"European countries using EES will phase this new system in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026."

"This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods," the TikToker elaborated.

He specified that "for travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK".