Travelers are advised to perform three essential checks before heading to the airport in light of the new regulations established by the European Union (EU). The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully implemented at European airports starting April 10, 2025. This system mandates that British travelers entering the Schengen area must create a digital record containing their biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
The EES has replaced manual passport stamping and remains valid for three years after the initial registration. While it is only required for the first entry into the Schengen area, the implementation of this system has led to significant disruptions, with long queues and delays of up to four hours at airports across Europe as British holidaymakers register with the new system.
Adam Edinburgh, the Head of Travel and New Products at Post Office Insurance, highlighted the potential impact on passengers, emphasizing the need for preparedness for longer queues due to biometric data collection. He recommended that passengers consider contingency options, such as alternative routes or transportation, to avoid missing flights, ferries, or connections in case of delays resulting from incomplete information or system issues.
In preparation for travel under the new EES regulations, Adam outlined three crucial steps that British travelers should take before embarking on their journey to ensure a smooth experience. He explained the process of the EES, stating that travelers will undergo biometric registration at border kiosks or e-gates during their initial entry, which includes capturing facial images, fingerprints (if visa-exempt), passport details, and entry/exit information. Subsequent visits will involve a quicker process as the data is already stored, with no pre-registration required as registration takes place at the border during the first entry.
The Schengen area comprises several countries, including 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. Notably, the EES system is not mandatory for travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus as they are not part of the Schengen area, and Greece has waived the requirement for biometric data for British travelers.
For travelers seeking travel insurance, the Post Office website offers options, while the government website provides additional information on the EES system. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and be informed about the new regulations to facilitate a hassle-free travel experience.
