Britons arranging getaways to countries including Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, and Greece in the months ahead are being warned by industry professionals to prepare for possible bottlenecks at continental terminals, as a major border security overhaul reaches full deployment.
The changes come after the activation of the Entry Exit System, a fresh automated border management tool created for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen region for short stays (no more than 90 days across any 180-day period).
The platform has taken over from conventional manual passport stamping with electronic registration, improving both security provisions and operational throughput at border facilities.
Nevertheless, as the framework debuts for the first time alongside the upcoming Easter and summer getaway periods, holidaymakers could face longer processing times and temporary disruptions while border staff become accustomed to the new workflow.
How the Entry Exit System Functions at European Airports for UK Citizens
Passengers should expect passport scanning and biometric information gathering at border control when first passing through the EES.
Paul Paddock, CEO of Post Office Insurance at Post Office, explained that biometric details including facial recognition information for all passengers and fingerprints for visa-exempt travellers only will be collected.
He noted that the system will also log passport information, arrival and departure dates and locations, alongside the duration of the stay.
This data will be retained for three years for regular entries and departures, or five years if the traveller surpasses their authorised stay.
Paddock added that for future trips, the process will be quicker due to the information already stored.
He emphasised that pre-registration is not required, as enrollment takes place at the border on the first entry.
EU Entry/Exit System – Information for UK Travellers
Rachel Pennycook, Europe travel specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company, explained that deployment began on 12 October 2025 and is being rolled out gradually across airports, ports, and land crossings, with full implementation expected by April 2026, ahead of the summer half-term break.
She noted that as the United Kingdom now sits outside the European Union, British tourists are affected, even for brief holidays to other European countries.
How British Travellers Can Reduce European Airport Delays Resulting from EES in 2026
Against this backdrop, UK nationals—especially those visiting Schengen destinations for the first time—are being urged to plan ahead to reduce terminal disruptions wherever possible.
Hannah Mayfield, a travel currency expert working with PayingTooMuch, has pointed out one significant mistake Britons should avoid regarding the Entry Exit System.
Mayfield outlined that travellers may now be asked about their reason for visiting and details of their accommodation, along with proof of adequate financial means for their trip.
She noted that while these questions typically come through self-service kiosks, answering negatively to any could result in being directed to a border control officer for further examination.
She also urged Britons to obtain all required paperwork and any necessary visas considerably before their planned departure, stressing that navigating the new EES successfully ultimately depends on readiness.
Mayfield advised that travellers should check their passport’s expiry date and ensure they have the correct documentation and required visas easily accessible.
She explained that given the automated nature of the EES, it will track entry and exit dates and may also refuse entry, so keeping track of eligibility to remain and avoiding overstaying within the Schengen zone is essential.
She stated that with proper preparation, the system should enable smoother and more secure travel in the long run, and that understanding these changes ahead of time will help avoid unnecessary stress and manage initial operational adjustments.
Paul agrees and endorses a checklist including an essential document reminder:
Verify your passport’s expiry date (must remain valid for at least three months after your trip for EU destinations)
Learn your arrival airport’s EES configuration (expect biometric verification)
Keep essential travel paperwork within easy reach, including passports, insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of return or connecting travel
For those arranging travel during the upcoming Easter or summer school holidays, Rachel additionally suggested that passengers arrive earlier than usual, keep travel documents conveniently accessible, and expect queues during peak periods as the system integrates with possible teething problems.
It should be noted that Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area where the EES operates, so UK nationals travelling to these destinations will continue to undergo traditional manual inspection and stamping procedures.