New travel checks being introduced next year are going to cause 'sustained delays and disruption' to Brits heading to the EU on holiday, peers have warned the Home Secretary.
Priti Patel has been warned by peers that the UK appears 'underprepared' for new EU travel checks.
Aaron Chown
Priti Patel received a letter from the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, telling her they are 'very concerned' about the possible effect two new systems being introduced by the EU.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS) are going to require non-EU citizens to apply for clearance to travel ahead of time and will cost €7 (£6).
Further, an Entry/Exit System (EES) will track of non-EU citizens when they enter and leave the bloc using an automated system involving face scans and taking fingerprints.
Priti Patel was warned by the committee that these new systems could have 'serious consequences' for Brits and that the UK 'appears to be unprepared'.
The peers said in their letter: 'The Justice and Home Affairs Committee is very concerned indeed about the upcoming launch of two new EU border management systems.
'They could have serious consequences in the UK and for the rights and liberties of UK citizens, and the UK appears to be unprepared.
'Although the two systems are due to launch next year, several ethical, legal and logistical challenges remain unaddressed.'
The peers argued that under the EES plasn, travellers 'will be required to undergo border checks that are likely to cause sustained delays and disruption'.
The committee emphasised that the UK 'should take urgent steps to engage with the (European) Commission, support the operators and develop and consult on plans to raise the public’s awareness of the new arrangements'.