British Tourists Face Major Delays as New EU Border System Rolls Out
British holidaymakers planning trips to popular destinations like Spain, Greece, and Portugal are being cautioned about significant delays this summer due to the implementation of a new border control system across Europe. The Entry Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs upon entry, is set to be fully operational in all 29 Schengen countries by April 10, 2026.
Potential for Extended Queues and Airport Concerns
Airport organisations have raised alarms about the rollout, calling for an immediate review as the system continues to cause substantial delays. During peak summer months, queues for non-EU passengers, including British tourists, could stretch up to four hours at border controls. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged that EES checks might add a few minutes extra per passenger and advised travellers to be prepared for longer wait times than usual.
Background and Impact on Travel Plans
The EES was first introduced in October at select EU airports and is now being expanded to all external borders of the Schengen Area. This development follows recent announcements about stricter UK border regulations, where dual British nationals could be refused entry without a British passport, potentially affecting holidaymakers returning from European trips. The full list of countries implementing the new system includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Travel experts recommend that British tourists plan accordingly, allowing extra time for border procedures and staying informed about updates from official sources like the FCDO to mitigate disruptions during their journeys.
