Britons have been warned to brace for "delays and queues" at airports ahead of new controversial new border systems.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will take biometric data - such as fingerprints and facial images - from non-EU passengers travelling to the EU.

The system hopes to abolish the need for manual passport checks and stamps.

The automated e-gate will also capture names, travel document details and the date and location of entry and exit.

Britons have been warned to brace for "delays and queues" at airports ahead of new controversial new border systemsGetty

The roll out of the scheme could reportedly begin as early as October 6 this year.

However, the exact launch date is unknown.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a €7 (£6) visa-waiver program akin to the United States ESTA, which requires renewal every three years, is anticipated to be implemented in the first half of 2025.

Travel chiefs have said the unclear start date is causing unnecessary confusion.

"It’s all still pretty unclear. Even earlier this month, the FCDO were awaiting the exact details, and not expecting to be in a position to update the industry more fully until later in the summer," Andrea Godfrey, Head of Regent Travel told The Telegraph.

"This could mean further delays, as it doesn’t leave long for implementation plans to take place before October."

She addeD: "We have been told to expect delays and queues in airports for up to a year.The early days of these schemes are likely to be chaotic and slow."