Travel Update for Summer 2026 – Be Prepared

Travel Update for Summer 2026 – Be Prepared

Planning a holiday to Europe in 2026? If so, there was a big change last year that you should be aware of. As of 10th April 2026, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully implemented across borders in the Schengen Area, affecting most UK passport holders. While the system is now in place, some airports and border crossings are experiencing longer queues as travellers and border authorities adapt to the new process.

This guide explains exactly what EES is, how it works, who it applies to, and what you need to do before your trip. Whether you’re catching a ferry to France for onward travel to Portugal or flying off to Portugal, here’s how to travel smoothly and confidently under the new rules.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a fully operational digital border system used across the Schengen Area.

The EES replaces the traditional passport stamping process with a more efficient, automated system. Now, instead of relying on manual stamps, your movements are digitally logged each time you cross an EU border.

Think of it as a ‘digital border gate’ that records four key things every time you travel:

• The date and time you enter the EU
• The date and time you leave
• Which border crossing you used
• Your biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial photo

Now that the system is fully implemented, this process applies consistently across airports, ferry ports, train stations, and land borders in all participating countries. However, some travellers are reporting delays during peak travel times, with wait times of 4–6 hours at the busiest crossings as the new system settles in.

Why has the EES been introduced?

The EES modernises border control by replacing manual passport stamping with a secure digital system. Before the EES, the process was:

• Inconsistent, as some stamps were missed or unreadable
• Open to error or abuse, with manual mistakes possible
• Difficult to track, especially for repeat visitors

The EES replaces this with a secure digital system that automatically logs your travel activity and calculates exactly how long you stay in the EU. This reduces the risk of errors and makes it easier for both travellers and authorities to keep track of short-stay limits.

Under the current rules, UK travellers can visit the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Since its launch, the EES has helped streamline the tracking of those 90 days – eliminating the need for mental maths or faded passport stamps.

What will the process look like for you?

When you arrive at an EES-enabled border, you’ll:

• Present your passport, just as you do now
• Be asked to scan your fingerprints
• Have a facial photo taken using a digital kiosk or camera
• You may also be asked simple questions about your trip (e.g. where you’re staying, your return date etc).

All of this takes place at the border and typically adds only a few minutes to the process, although queues may be longer during peak times.

The first time you do this, the system stores your biometric and passport data securely. When you return to the EU in the future, you’ll be recognised faster, meaning quicker processing and less waiting.

Who does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) apply to?

The EES applies to non-EU nationals who are entering the Schengen Area as short-term visitors, including most UK travellers heading to Europe for holidays, business trips, or family visits.

In simpler terms: if you’re travelling on a British passport, the EES will apply to you unless you have residency status in an EU country or fall under one of the few exemptions.

You are subject to EES if you are:

• A UK citizen travelling to the EU as a tourist, businessperson, or for other short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
• A citizen of a non-EU country who does not hold EU or Schengen-area residency
• Someone entering the EU without a visa, but under a visa-free travel agreement (like the UK currently has with the EU)

Who is exempt from EES?

There are a few important exceptions. You aren’t subject to EES if you are:

• An EU citizen, even if you live outside the EU
• A non-EU national who holds a valid residence permit or long-term visa in an EU country (such as expats or students)

A national of a Schengen-associated country, such as:

• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

If you fall into one of these groups, you’ll continue using the normal residency/resident card checks, not the biometric EES system.

Special cases and dual citizens

If you’re a dual citizen (for example, you hold both UK and EU passports), you can choose to use your EU passport when travelling to avoid being processed through EES. However, if you enter the EU using your UK passport, you’ll be treated as a non-EU national and EES will apply.

What will happen at the border?

While it might feel unfamiliar the first time, the process is designed to be quick, secure, and mostly automated. And it becomes easier with each trip.

Here’s what to expect step by step:

1. Present your passport – Just like you do now, you’ll hand over your passport (or insert it into an electronic reader if using a self-service kiosk). The system will read your passport details and check them against the EES database.

2. Biometric data collection – This is where the new part begins. You’ll be asked to look into a camera for a quick facial scan, similar to taking a passport photo. Then, you’ll place your fingers on a scanner to capture your fingerprints. This step only takes a few seconds (but scanning the fingerprints has been problematic causing long delays) and is designed to ensure that you are the genuine holder of your passport.

3. Answer a few simple questions – A border guard or digital kiosk may ask you to confirm basic travel details, such as:

• The purpose of your trip (e.g. tourism, business, visiting friends)
• Your destination address (e.g. hotel or Airbnb)
• Your return date or proof of onward travel

These questions help verify that you’re not planning to overstay your 90-day visa-free allowance.

4. Receive confirmation and move on – Once the system confirms your identity and records your entry, you’ll be cleared to proceed. There’s no physical stamp on your passport – everything is logged digitally in the EES system.

Will this take a long time?

As the system is now fully implemented, most major border points are equipped to process travellers efficiently. However, some people are reporting delays of 4-6 hours in some countries during peak travel times.

You should still allow a little extra time, particularly during:

• Peak travel periods (summer holidays, school breaks)
• Busy crossings such as Eurostar and ferry terminals

The first time you go through EES, it may take a little longer than usual because your biometric data is being collected for the first time. But after that, future trips will be faster, as your information is already in the system.

What about families or senior travellers?

If you’re travelling as a family, each adult will go through the EES process individually. Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints, but they will still be photographed and have their travel logged. Parents or guardians may be asked to confirm their details.

Senior travellers, particularly those over 65, may prefer to use manned border booths rather than kiosks. Staff will be on hand to assist if you’re unsure of how to use the technology.

What about travelling with a disability or health condition?

If you need additional support, you can request help in advance when booking your travel. Many terminals and airlines already offer mobility and accessibility assistance, and this will be extended to help passengers with the EES process too.

What are the latest EES rollout challenges?

Although the Entry/Exit System is now in place across the Schengen Area, some countries are continuing to experience delays as they adapt to the new border process.

Most delays are being caused by a combination of:

• Technical issues, such as problems with some self-service kiosks and fingerprint scanners
• Higher passenger volumes, with some airports experiencing longer queues while staff and processes adjust to the new system

As a result, some travellers have experienced longer-than-usual waiting times at border control, particularly during peak travel periods.

How can you avoid delays?

While most travellers are passing through border control without any problems, it’s worth planning ahead in case you encounter longer queues, particularly at busy airports, ferry ports or rail terminals.

To help your journey go as smoothly as possible:

• You can use the Travel to Europe App to pre-register before you travel but its worth checking if Portugal supports this App

• Arrive at the airport, port or station earlier than you normally would
• Have your passport ready before you reach border control
• Allow extra time if you’re travelling during school holidays or other peak travel periods
• Expect your first EES check to take a little longer, as your fingerprints and facial image will need to be recorded

Once your biometric information has been securely stored, future journeys through the Schengen Area should usually be quicker.

EES doesn’t need to complicate your travel

The EES marks an essential update to how UK travellers move through European borders, but it’s not something to worry about. With a valid passport, a few extra minutes at border control, and a little preparation, your next trip to Europe can go ahead just as planned.