What passport queue should I use?

Who will be able to join ‘EU’ passport lanes and will these be much quicker than ‘other passport’ lanes?

EU rules say anyone making use of EU free movement can use ‘EU’ lanes, which would include EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are travelling to a country other than that of their nationality, and close family members accompanying or joining them.

The latter includes spouses and civil partners, their children under 21 or dependent children, and dependent (grand)parents. 

French people coming to France can also use the ‘EU’ lanes and the same has been extended to their close family by French border guards even though technically the French person is not ‘making use of EU free movement’ in their own country. 

There is no reason for the rules to change with regard to this. We expect the rules on EU close family members to continue but note that it could mean ‘EU’ queues lengthen due to EES border checks related to these ‘family members’. 

We have sought, but not yet obtained, clarification as to whether the exemption will be continued for close family of French people, but believe it is likely to be the case. 

The issue of longer ‘EU’ queues may be lessened, however, where ‘pre-registration’ kiosks are available and we would still expect ‘EU’ lanes to be quicker than ‘non-EU’ as most people using them will not be affected by EES formalities and will continue to pass with a brief showing of their EU passport. 

We would expect airports and other affected travel hubs to make arrangements so that people needing to use kiosks are directed separately towards these on arrival so this requirement does not cause additional hold-ups at the actual lanes (whether ‘EU’ or ‘other passports’) to see border guards. 

Other people, whether visitors to the Schengen area or foreign national residents, are not meant to use ‘EU’ passport lanes, however, this does not include use of ‘Parafe’ e-gates, as France permits many non-EU nationals to use these and this is hoped to continue under EES, at least for subsequent entries or exits once a person is registered in the system.