Spanish airports are implementing additional measures to alleviate the chaos at border control for British travelers, which has been exacerbated by the introduction of a new digital system. The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out at airports on April 10, 2026, leading to significant travel disruptions for Brits navigating the new digital border process. Reports from holidaymakers highlighted long queues, some lasting up to four hours, resulting in numerous missed flights due to extensive delays.
The implementation of the EES, which mandates all British travelers to the Schengen area to create a digital record and register their biometric details, has caused notable disorder during peak travel periods. Spanish airports like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Palma faced capacity issues at checkpoints during the Easter half-term, despite the system operating correctly.
To alleviate the strain on British travelers using the new digital border system, Spanish airports are planning adjustments to improve the process and reduce wait times, especially during the upcoming May half-term and summer holidays. AENA, the Spanish airport authority, has instructed staff to take actions to ease the situation, as reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
One of the proposed changes includes diverting families with young children and passengers with reduced mobility to a border control point with the traditional passport-stamping process when the wait time for the digital system exceeds 25 minutes. Additionally, flight arrivals could be staggered in coordination with AENA’s ground team.
These adjustments, described as measures to alleviate disruptions rather than a suspension, aim to facilitate the arrival process for British travelers entering popular Spanish destinations. However, it is important to note that biometric details are still mandatory for holidaymakers on their initial arrival in the Schengen area.
In contrast, Greece has decided to exempt British travelers from the EU’s biometric registration requirement, citing concerns over significant travel disruptions. This decision allows British passport holders to bypass fingerprint and facial scan procedures at Greek airport border controls. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel guidance accordingly following the Greek Embassy’s announcement.
The EES, in effect at European airports since April 10, 2026, mandates British travelers to the Schengen area to create a digital record and register biometric details like fingerprints and a photograph. This registration is compulsory for the first entry into the Schengen area, and the EES remains valid for three years after the initial registration.
Countries in the Schengen area encompass 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.
