National newspapers are warning that new EU fingerprint checks threaten to ruin next summer’s holiday getaway.

Biometric controls are due to be introduced next May, replacing the “wet stamping” of passports, which was brought in after Britain left the EU – it is feared these could cause significant disruption as the new identity checks could take considerably longer than the current system. The Port of Dover is warning of 17-mile tailbacks as a result.

The EU’s new “Entry-Exit System” (EES) will require any Briton who wants to travel to the EU to apply for a travel authorisation document that will allow them into the bloc for three years. Every time they seek to enter the EU they will be expected to show a facial image and provide four fingerprints from which only children aged under 12 will be exempt.