British travellers to some of the most popular destinations across Europe are facing long delays after revised border checks were introduced across the EU.

Tighter immigration checks have resulted in long delays already at airports including Palma, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid following the introduction of the new checks, which have been introduced to improve security following a number of terrorist incidents across Europe in the past twelve months.

The changes affect those who live outside the Schengen area – a region where passport control has been abolished – and includes people travelling from the UK.

Whereas in the past, a quick passport check was all that was required on both entry and exit to a country, the revised system will see each person from outside the Schengen zone checked against a range of special databases.

Whilst that will understandably take longer than a quick visual check, a lack of additional staff at many major airports is only adding to the delays.

It comes as the travel industry reaches peak season, and means that delays of up to four hours are already being reported – with passengers missing flights as a result.

EU member states have until October 7 to introduce the revised checks.

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