British travellers heading across Europe are now subject to a new entry and exit system (EES), which was introduced earlier this year.
Under the new arrangements, most non-EU nationals must register their biometric data at one of 29 participating countries, including a host of popular holiday destinations such as Spain and Greece.
Certain UK travellers will be required to have their photograph taken and fingerprints scanned prior to gaining entry into Europe’s Schengen zone.
Countries that are part of the EES are: 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.
Passport stamping has been rendered obsolete under the new framework.
During the summer months, the EES triggered lengthy queues and significant hold-ups at several airports.
Due to the resulting disruption, Greece initially suspended EES checks for British passport holders in April 2026, though this decision was subsequently reversed in order to comply with EU regulations. Earlier this month, however, Greece and eight other countries – France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium – have indicated they require additional time before fully implementing the EES.
EU sources say the system is considered a success, with approximately 200 million registrations recorded and 70,000 individuals prevented from entering the Schengen zone, compared with 43,700 in June. Those turned away include travellers lacking proper visas, individuals who have exceeded their 180-day limit, or British nationals who have surpassed their 90-day allocation.
Travellers exempt from EES registration
Certain visitors may be exempt from registering their biometric information on the new scheme. According to the EU website, registration is not required if any of the following circumstances apply:
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
