Budget airline easyJet has issued an update for British holidaymakers flying to popular European destinations amid new travel rules that could cause significant delays
EasyJet has issued an update to Brits travelling to parts of Europe(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
EasyJet has issued an update for British holidaymakers travelling to popular European destinations.
With the May half-term and summer holidays approaching, thousands of Brits are set to embark on sun-drenched European breaks. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about any travel changes that may affect your journey, particularly regarding entry into EU nations.
A significant development has been the full implementation of the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) across airports on 10 April 2026. The new system mandates that all British travellers bound for the Schengen area must “create a digital record” and provide their biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, reports the Mirror.
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EasyJet warned that ‘airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times'(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
This process must be done upon their initial arrival at a Schengen area border, and the EES remains valid for three years after the first registration. Nevertheless, since its complete rollout, there have been accounts of substantial delays of up to three hours and missed flights as travellers navigate the new digital border framework.
In an effort to facilitate smoother journeys for holidaymakers, easyJet released an update to passengers this month about new border controls that may affect waiting times at EU airports. This encompasses travel to popular holiday destinations such as France, Spain and Portugal, all of which fall within the Schengen area.
“Airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times at passport control due to the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). This could mean you need to have your biometrics taken at border checks, including the scanning of facial images and fingerprints,” easyJet said in the update.
In advice to customers, they advised the following:
“Download the easyJet app to get live updates on your flight, including when the gate opensMake sure you have the correct documents for travelIf you are travelling with checked (hold) luggage, please arrive in time for Bag Drop. Opening times are available in the easyJet app or in your booking detailsYou may experience extended wait times on arrival at your destination airport, so consider this when planning onward travelAdditional checks may also apply at your departure airport when leaving the EU, so please also allow extra time at the airportBe aware that there may be further checks at passport control after security and before reaching your gate.”
The budget carrier further highlighted that they may not be in a position to wait for passengers who are running late, “even if the wait is longer than usual”. Consequently, easyJet strongly recommended travellers arrive at the airport “with plenty of time to spare”.
Brits have been advised to arrive at the airport ‘with plenty of time to spare'(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
The complete list of Schengen areas comprises: 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.
Nevertheless, the EES does not presently apply to Greece, despite its membership of the Schengen area, as the nation has opted to waive the EU requirement for British citizens. A statement from the Greek Embassy last month declared: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece.
“In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” No indication was given regarding how long the exemption would remain in effect, but shortly afterwards, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel guidance for Greece.
In a revision on Monday, 20 April, the FCDO confirmed: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are a resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”
For more information on the EES, visit the Travel to Europe website. Alternatively, there is further guidance on the Foreign Office website.
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