Budget airline, easyJet, has shared an important update for Brits heading abroad to some of the most popular holiday hotspots, including France, Spain and Portugal

EasyJet has shared an update for British holidaymakers flying to popular European hotspots.

As we near the May half-term and summer holidays, thousands of Brits are expected to jet off abroad for a sun-soaked European getaway. Yet it’s important to understand and be aware of any travel changes that could impact your journey, including entry into the EU country.

One major change has seen the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) fully launched across airports on 10 April 2026. The new system requires all British travellers heading to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and submit their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.

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This must be completed upon their first arrival at a Schengen area border, and once the initial registration is complete, the EES remains valid for three years. However, since it was fully rolled out, there have been reports of significant delays of up to three hours and missed flights as travellers grapple with the new digital border system.

In a bid to help holidaymakers have as smooth a journey as possible, easyJet issued an update to passengers this month about the new border checks that could affect waiting times at EU airports. This includes travel to the holiday hotspots of France, Spain and Portugal, which are all in 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 opens
  • Make sure you have the correct documents for travel
  • If 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 details
  • You may experience extended wait times on arrival at your destination airport, so consider this when planning onward travel
  • Additional checks may also apply at your departure airport when leaving the EU, so please also allow extra time at the airport
  • Be aware that there may be further checks at passport control after security and before reaching your gate.”

The budget-friendly airline additionally noted that they might not be able to wait for delayed passengers, “even if the wait is longer than usual”. Therefore, easyJet strongly advised travellers to arrive at the airport “with plenty of time to spare”.

The full list of Schengen areas 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.

However, the EES does not currently apply to Greece, despite being in the Schengen area, as the country has chosen to waive the EU requirement for Brits. A statement from the Greek Embassy last month announced: “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 suggestion of how long the exemption would remain in place, but soon after, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance 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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