New EU Border System to Impact British Tourists from April 10

British holidaymakers are being warned about potential significant delays at European airports as a new border control system is set to be fully implemented across the Schengen Area from April 10, 2026. The Entry Exit System (EES) requires British travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs when entering the Schengen zone, which includes popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece.

Potential Delays and Implementation Concerns

Aviation authorities have raised alarms about the system, with some airport organisations calling for an immediate review due to ongoing significant delays. Reports indicate that queues for non-EU passengers, including British tourists, could extend up to four hours during the busy summer months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged that EES checks might add a few minutes extra per traveller and advises holidaymakers to be prepared for longer than usual waits at border control.

Background and Full List of Affected Countries

The EES was first introduced in October at certain airports and is now expected to be fully operational across all 29 Schengen countries by April. This development follows recent announcements about stricter passport rules for dual British nationals returning to the UK. The full list of countries implementing the new system includes: