UK FCDO Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Luxembourg and Other European Countries Due to New Schengen Border System

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory for UK citizens travelling to Luxembourg, along with France, Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. This alert comes as authorities prepare to implement the new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in October 2025.

The new system introduces significantly tighter border controls across the Schengen Area. Among the key changes is the mandatory biometric data collection of travellers—specifically, fingerprints and facial photographs—when entering and exiting these countries.

As a result, travellers should expect longer waiting times and potential delays at border crossings. The FCDO urges UK nationals to plan for this when travelling to the affected countries, including Luxembourg.

In addition, the advisory stresses that passports must meet strict validity requirements. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the traveller’s planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Furthermore, the passport should have been issued within the last ten years to comply with entry rules under the new system.

The FCDO’s travel advisory highlights these requirements clearly as UK citizens prepare for trips to these European destinations, advising all to double-check their travel documents and account for additional time at border controls.

This new EES system reflects broader efforts across Europe to enhance security and border management but also requires travellers to be better prepared for the changes on arrival.

The advisory serves as a reminder to stay informed of any updates from both UK and Schengen authorities to ensure seamless travel experiences amid these evolving rules.

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