EasyJet has issued an update for British holidaymakers travelling to France, Spain and Portugal amid new travel rules that have caused delays of up to three hours at airports
Amy Jones Senior Travel Journalist
12:25, 13 May 2026Updated 12:25, 13 May 2026
EasyJet has issued an update to Brits travelling to parts of Europe(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
EasyJet has issued an important update for British travellers heading to sought-after European destinations.
With the May half-term break and summer holidays on the horizon, thousands of UK residents are preparing to embark on sun-drenched European escapes. However, it’s essential to stay informed about any travel changes that may affect your trip, particularly when entering EU countries.
A significant development saw the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) become fully operational at airports on 10 April 2026. Under the new arrangement, all British visitors travelling to the Schengen zone must “create a digital record” and provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial 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 procedure must be carried out upon their initial arrival at a Schengen zone border, and once the first registration is completed, the EES remains active for three years. Nevertheless, since its full implementation, there have been reports of significant delays of up to three hours, with some passengers missing their flights while navigating the new digital border system.
To assist holidaymakers in achieving the smoothest possible experience, easyJet released guidance for travellers this month on the updated border procedures that may affect queuing times at EU airports. This impacts journeys to popular destinations, including France, Spain, and Portugal, all of which are 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 guidance issued to passengers, they recommended 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 low-cost carrier also pointed out that they may be unable to hold flights for late-arriving passengers, “even if the wait is longer than usual”. As a result, easyJet has urged travellers to get to 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 zone countries 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 exempt Brits from the EU requirement. An announcement from the Greek Embassy last month stated: “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.” The duration of this exemption remains unclear, though the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has since updated its travel advice for Greece.
In an update on Monday, 20 April, the FCDO stated: “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.”
Additional details about the EES can be found on the Travel to Europe website, with further guidance available through the Foreign Office website.
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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