New EU Entry/Exit System Causes Travel Delays for Britons in Spain, Portugal, and Greece
Holiday warning for Britons heading to Spain, Portugal or Greece

Image: Mirror
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), now operational across Schengen countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece, is causing significant delays for British travelers. Passengers have reported long queues and missed flights due to the biometric registration process, prompting calls for improved border management during peak travel times.
- 01The EES replaces manual passport stamping with biometric registration, including facial images and fingerprints.
- 02Travelers have experienced wait times of up to three hours at border checks, impacting their travel plans.
- 03The Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed that biometric checks for UK tourists will be fully implemented this summer.
- 04The British Travel Association (ABTA) has called for better contingency plans from border authorities to manage busy travel periods.
- 05Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but may have their photos taken.
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The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been implemented across all Schengen Area countries, including popular tourist destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece. This system replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric registration, requiring British travelers to provide facial images and fingerprints upon entry. However, many travelers have reported significant delays, with some facing queues lasting up to three hours, leading to missed flights. Despite attempts by Greece to temporarily suspend these checks for UK tourists, the system is now fully operational. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised travelers to expect longer wait times at borders due to the new procedures. The British Travel Association (ABTA) has expressed concerns about the rollout, urging border authorities to implement stronger contingency measures during peak travel times to alleviate the situation. Mark Tanzer, ABTA's chief executive, emphasized the importance of effective management to prevent long delays.
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British travelers may face significant delays at borders, impacting their travel schedules and overall experience.
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