Budget airline, easyJet, has issued an update to British passengers heading to popular European destinations, including France, Spain, and Portugal, amid new travel rules
Amy Jones Senior Travel Journalist
12:23, 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 holidaymakers travelling to sought-after European destinations.
With the May half-term and summer holidays approaching, tens of thousands of Brits are anticipated to fly overseas for sun-drenched European breaks. However, it’s vital to stay informed about any travel changes that may affect your journey, including entry requirements for EU countries.
A significant development has been the full rollout of the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) at airports on 10 April 2026. The new framework requires all British travellers bound for the Schengen zone to “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 procedure must be undertaken during their initial arrival at a Schengen zone border, and following the first registration, the EES remains active for three years. Nevertheless, since its full deployment, there have been reports of substantial delays of up to three hours and missed flights as travellers contend with the new digital border framework.
In an effort to ensure holidaymakers have as seamless a journey as possible, easyJet provided an update to passengers this month about the new border procedures that may affect waiting times at EU airports. This encompasses travel to popular holiday destinations such as France, Spain and Portugal, which are all within the Schengen zone.
“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 to passengers, 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 low-cost carrier also highlighted that they may be unable to delay departure for late passengers, “even if the wait is longer than usual”. As a result, easyJet strongly encouraged travellers to 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 zone countries includes: 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 in the Schengen zone, as the nation has chosen to waive the EU requirement for Brits. 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.” There was no indication of the exemption’s duration, but shortly afterwards, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) 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.”
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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