Let’s not get to much into politics – but leaving the EU makes us Brits ‘third country nationals.’ It sounds like they don’t love us anymore… probably true.

Coming soon to the EU, well the Schengen collective area (pretty similar), is a system that will mean we won’t have to get our passports stamped. Woo Hoo! It will happen electronically…

However before this dream becomes a reality and passport control becomes super smooth – the first time you enter Schengen (as a Brit) from November, they are going to take a biometric photo (sounds snazzy) and / or take your fingerprints (sounds criminal). This is so that your passport can become a digital entity.

All sounds ok?

Well, for most of us who use Geneva airport – we know it’s a right s**t show at the best of times. So this winter is set to be a right old palava as the photgraphing and finger print taking is going to happen at passport control when you first enter the Schengen zone. Queues are expected. I have no doubt.

That having been said there is some chat that the entry countries aren’t quite ready and that the whole debacle might be delayed (probably to school holidays, Geneva motor show… you know, real convenient times. LOLs)

And as for the entry tax?

Yep – it’s coming… but probably not until May 2025. It’s expected to cost about £6 and that allows you 3 years worth of entries. But, they’re not going to do that until the passport stuff is sorted. We shall see.

What I’m sure it does mean though is – expect even longer than normal queues at passport control going into your EU destination this winter – so load up with podcasts, get your headphones in and maybe tuck into some Duty Free… we’ll be waiting for you in resort with the fire on and dinner ready.

This article from The Independent is pretty informative