Spanish airports are implementing additional measures to alleviate border control disruptions for British travelers, in response to the introduction of a new digital system. The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully operational at airports starting April 10, 2026, causing significant travel delays for Brits navigating the digital border process. Reports have highlighted long queues, with some travelers enduring waits of up to four hours and missing flights due to extensive delays.
The implementation of the EES, which mandates that British travelers to the Schengen area create a digital profile and register their biometric information, has led to chaotic scenes during peak travel seasons. Spanish airports like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Palma experienced capacity challenges at checkpoints despite the system functioning correctly, particularly evident during the Easter half-term rush.
To ease the strain on British passengers utilizing the new digital border system, especially during peak travel periods such as the May half-term and summer holidays, Spanish airports are enacting changes. The airport authority AENA has directed staff to assist in expediting the process and reducing wait times. Measures may include redirecting families with young children and passengers requiring assistance to a separate border control point with traditional passport stamping if the wait time at the digital system exceeds 25 minutes. Additionally, flight arrivals could be staggered in coordination with AENA’s ground team.
These adjustments, described as enhancements rather than suspensions, aim to mitigate disruptions for British travelers entering popular Spanish destinations. While biometric details are still mandatory for first-time arrivals in the Schengen area, these measures seek to streamline the border control process.
In contrast, Greece has opted to forgo the EU mandate for British travelers to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls, citing concerns over significant travel disruptions. The Greek Embassy announced an exemption for British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossings, effective April 10, 2026, though the duration of this exemption remains unspecified. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office updated travel guidance for Greece in response to this change.
The EES requirement, applicable since April 10, 2026, necessitates British travelers to the Schengen area to create a digital record and register biometric data like fingerprints and a photo. This registration is mandatory for the initial entry into the Schengen area and remains valid for three years thereafter.
Schengen area countries 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.
