Netherlands Joins Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Others in Issuing Urgent Travel Warning for UK Tourists as New Biometric Border Rules Are Enforced Across Europe Starting April 10

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As of April 10, 2026, the Netherlands, along with Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and several other European nations, will implement a major overhaul of border control procedures, introducing biometric entry and exit systems for UK tourists. This game-changing move, aimed at enhancing security and streamlining the entry process, requires all travelers to provide fingerprints and facial photos. While the system promises to speed up future entries, travelers should brace for potential delays, especially during the initial rollout, as authorities work to process the new biometric data on a larger scale. The change comes amid growing concerns over border security and the ongoing need for more efficient management of international travel.

Starting April 10, 2026, Europe will implement new entry and exit rules that are expected to cause potential delays for travelers. These new regulations, introduced to enhance border control efficiency, will affect key European destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece. As these countries, along with others in the Schengen Area, adapt to the new system, passengers should be prepared for possible longer queues at airport checkpoints.

The new Entry Exit System (EES) will require travelers, particularly those from the UK, to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial photos, when entering the Schengen Area. Initially launched at selected airports in October 2025, the EES will now be rolled out to all 29 Schengen countries by April 2026. With the system becoming fully operational across the European Union, travelers are being warned to factor in additional time for border procedures.

What Is the Entry Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a sophisticated biometric system designed to streamline border checks. It will record travelers’ personal details, including facial photographs and fingerprints, upon their first entry into the Schengen Area after the system’s activation. This information will be stored digitally, which will speed up the entry process for future visits if passengers register their data in advance.

Several countries are introducing dedicated self-service kiosks or mobile apps, where travelers can pre-register their data to expedite the entry process. While the system is aimed at increasing security and efficiency, it may cause delays, particularly during peak travel periods, as authorities implement it on a larger scale.

Countries Affected by the New EES Regulations

The new rules will affect all 29 countries in the Schengen Area. These countries will implement the biometric data requirement for both entry and exit procedures. Here’s the full list of countries that will be impacted:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The Potential Impact on Travelers

Travelers to Europe should be prepared for increased processing times as the biometric data system is integrated into the entry and exit process at airports across these countries. The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory, warning British holidaymakers to expect “a few extra minutes” during border control checks. This could mean longer waiting times at airports, particularly during the busy summer travel months.

Though the Entry Exit System (EES) is designed to streamline border control and enhance security, the introduction of biometric checks will initially require travelers to allocate extra time for processing. In the long term, the system is expected to be more efficient, but during the initial phase of implementation, there may be some teething problems, leading to potential delays.

Tips for Travelers

To help reduce the time spent at border checks, the European Union is encouraging travelers to register their biometric data ahead of time. Those who pre-register their details will enjoy faster processing during subsequent trips to Schengen countries. Some countries will offer dedicated self-service equipment or a mobile app for travelers to manage their biometric data, making it easier to bypass long queues at busy airports.

It is also important for travelers to keep an eye on the travel advisories issued by the UK Foreign Office and the European Union. Both entities have emphasized the need for passengers to allow extra time for border control, especially during peak travel periods such as holidays, weekends, and school vacation times.

Why the Change Is Happening

The shift to biometric data collection is part of a broader effort to improve border security, reduce human error, and streamline entry and exit procedures within the Schengen Area. By collecting facial photos and fingerprints, the EES system will enable more accurate and efficient monitoring of travelers crossing European borders.

The biometric system also aims to address issues such as human trafficking and illegal immigration, providing authorities with a more reliable and standardized way of verifying identities. It will also support the EU’s broader push toward digitalization in public services, making border control processes more efficient and secure for both travelers and governments.

Preparing for the Change

Travelers planning to visit Europe after April 10 should ensure they are aware of the new regulations and give themselves plenty of time to navigate the biometric checks. Those who are used to quick and easy entry may need to adjust to the new system by preparing for longer waits at airports, especially during busy periods.

For those traveling from the UK, it is particularly important to stay up to date with the Foreign Office’s guidance and be aware of potential delays. The UK’s travel advisories stress that UK citizens may experience longer waits due to the additional biometric data collection.

Starting April 10, 2026, the Netherlands, alongside Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and others, will implement new biometric entry and exit rules for UK tourists. This change aims to enhance security and efficiency but may lead to delays during the initial rollout.

With the introduction of the Entry Exit System (EES) starting April 10, 2026, travelers to the Schengen Area can expect to encounter new entry and exit procedures. While the system will ultimately enhance security and improve border control efficiency, travelers should be prepared for potential delays, particularly during the initial implementation phase. By registering biometric data in advance and following official travel advice, passengers can help ensure smoother journeys across European borders.

This new system marks a significant shift in how borders will be managed in Europe, and while it may cause some short-term disruptions, it promises long-term benefits for both travelers and security agencies.