British travellers heading to Europe are now subject to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires most non-EU nationals to register biometric data at one of 29 participating countries, including popular holiday destinations such as Spain and Greece.
Under the new framework, passport stamping has been rendered obsolete. Instead, certain UK travellers must have their photograph taken and fingerprints scanned prior to gaining entry into Europe's Schengen zone.
Participating countries
The countries that are part of the EES are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.
During the summer months, the EES triggered lengthy queues and significant hold-ups at several airports. Due to the resulting disruption, Greece initially suspended EES checks for British passport holders in April 2026, though this decision was subsequently reversed in order to comply with EU regulations.
Delays in full implementation
Earlier this month, Greece and eight other countries - France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium - have indicated they require additional time before fully implementing the EES.
EU sources say the system is considered a success, with approximately 200 million registrations recorded and 70,000 individuals prevented from entering the Schengen zone, compared with 43,700 in June. Those turned away include travellers lacking proper visas, individuals who have exceeded their 180-day limit, or British nationals who have surpassed their 90-day allocation.
Who is exempt from EES registration
Certain visitors may be exempt from registering their biometric information on the new scheme. According to the EU website, registration is not required if any of the following circumstances apply:
- You are a non-EU citizen holding a residence card or permit and are a close family member of a non-EU citizen entitled to travel through Europe with the same rights as an EU citizen.
- Individuals exempt from border controls owing to specific privileges, such as heads of state.
- You are a non-EU citizen holding a residence card and are a close family member of an EU citizen.
- You possess a residence permit or long-stay visa.
- You are a non-EU citizen visiting Europe under an intra-corporate transfer for research, studies, training, pupil exchange, voluntary services, educational projects, or au-pairing.
- You are a national of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and hold a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See.
- You are a diplomat on a short visit (subject to specific conditions).
- You are a citizen of a European nation participating in EES, including Cyprus and Ireland.
