Germany Joins Greece, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland and More as UK Government Alerts Travelers About EU’s New Border System – How It Will Impact Your Easter Vacation

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The UK government has issued a travel alert for Germany, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and several other EU countries as the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to fully launch just before the Easter holidays. The EES, which replaces the traditional passport stamping process with biometric data like facial scans and fingerprints, is expected to cause delays at borders, especially during peak travel times. This change is aimed at strengthening border security and improving travel efficiency, but travelers heading to these Schengen Area countries should anticipate longer wait times. The UK government urges travelers to allow extra time for border checks, particularly when heading to the Schengen area or returning to the UK.

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

The EES is designed to streamline border checks by recording the entry and exit of non-EU nationals using digital records. Instead of the traditional passport stamp, travelers’ biometric data, including facial scans and fingerprints, will be collected upon their first entry into the Schengen area. This system aims to reduce manual errors, strengthen border security, and help authorities detect overstayers more efficiently. However, the EES is expected to lead to longer waiting times at airports and ports during its initial full roll-out, particularly at peak travel times like Easter.

Impact on Travel and Business Travelers

While the EES system will eventually make border crossing smoother for frequent travelers, its full implementation in April 2026 means that travelers to the Schengen area may experience delays at border control due to the introduction of new checks. For business travelers, these delays could result in missed meetings or late arrivals, particularly if connecting flights or onward travel is involved. Tourists are also advised to factor in the extra time needed for these procedures, especially if they have tight schedules for returning to the UK.

The government has emphasized that these checks should only take a few minutes per person. However, the reality is that queues could form, particularly during high-volume travel periods like the Easter holidays. The new border control procedures may be slow to adapt in the early stages, so travelers are advised to plan accordingly.

The countries affected by the UK’s warning of Easter travel delays due to the new EU border checks are part of the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries. These countries will implement the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), leading to potential delays at borders for travelers. The Schengen Area consists of the following countries:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Italy
13. Latvia
14. Lithuania
15. Luxembourg
16. Malta
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Spain
24. Sweden
25. Switzerland
26. Norway
27. Liechtenstein
28. Sweden
29. Iceland

Key Points About EES and Travel Delays

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• The new border checks will start on April 10, 2026, at all EU airports and ports.
• Facial scans and fingerprints will be taken for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area for the first time.
• Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly if connecting to other flights or transport.
• UK government guidance suggests that checks should only take minutes but warns that there could be longer waits, especially during busy travel times like Easter.
• Travelers should check with their transport operators for advice on potential delays both when traveling to the EU and returning to the UK.

Practical Travel Tips for Tourists and Business Travelers

For Tourists:

1. Allow extra time: It’s important to arrive early at airports or ports to account for additional biometric checks.
2. Check your documents: Ensure your passport is valid and up-to-date before traveling. Ensure that you are aware of any exemptions for the EES system.
3. Consider alternate travel routes: If you’re worried about delays, check if other less busy airports in the Schengen area might offer a smoother travel experience.

For Business Travelers:

1. Communicate with your travel operator: Stay updated with any operational changes regarding EES checks and follow any recommendations to mitigate delays.
2. Plan for delays: Allow at least 45 minutes to 1 hour extra to account for the biometric checks when crossing the border.
3. Monitor your schedule: Business travelers should account for potential delays in both departure and return flights, as it may impact their work schedule.

Step-by-Step Guidelines to Prepare for the EES System

1. Check your travel documents: Ensure your passport is valid and, if applicable, check whether you need to pre-register for the EES system (currently available in Sweden and Portugal).
2. Plan extra time: Arrive at your airport or port early—at least 2 hours before your flight departure for European destinations.
3. Monitor official travel updates: Keep an eye on travel operator guidelines and government travel advisories.
4. Prepare for biometric checks: Be ready for facial scans and fingerprints when entering the Schengen area for the first time.
5. Stay informed: Download travel apps and use them to check the status of border control operations in real-time.

Conclusion: What This Means for Your Easter Travel Plans

As the EES system comes into full effect, Easter 2026 is expected to bring about some challenges for British travelers heading to Schengen-area countries. While the system promises more efficient and secure border controls in the long term, delays are expected in the short term. Tourists and business travelers alike should factor in extra time for their journeys and consult their transport operators for advice on managing potential delays.

Whether you’re planning a business trip to Germany, a vacation in France, or heading to Italy for a long weekend, planning ahead and staying informed can help reduce stress and ensure smoother travel across the EU borders.