EasyJet has issued an update for British holidaymakers flying to popular European destinations, including France, Spain and Portugal, as the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully implemented at airports from 10 April 2026. The new system requires all British travellers entering the Schengen area to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, upon first arrival.
The budget airline warned that airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times at passport control due to the EES. In a statement, EasyJet said: 'This could mean you need to have your biometrics taken at border checks, including the scanning of facial images and fingerprints.' The carrier advised passengers to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, noting that they might not be able to wait for delayed travellers even if queues are unusually long.
Reports have emerged of significant delays of up to three hours and missed flights since the system's rollout. The EES registration remains valid for three years after initial completion. However, Greece has opted out of the biometric requirement for British passport holders, as confirmed by the Greek Embassy and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in updated guidance.
The full list of Schengen countries subject to EES includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Travellers are advised to check official sources for the latest information.
