Some European Airports May Stop New EU Travel Rules for British People This Summer

Two more airports might stop the Entry/Exit System for British people due to summer concerns.

The EU's new travel rules have caused problems for the peak travel season, so some places are looking at ways to waive them for holidaymakers.

The European Union's Entry/Exit System started on 10 April 2026. It requires all British people going to the Schengen area to create a digital record and give biometric details like fingerprints and a photo. While it works well in many countries, it causes travel problems at European airports.

Some British people have been asked to give their biometric information again, even though they already did it on their first visit to the Schengen zone. Holidaymakers have also been stuck in long queues for up to four hours, missing flights and ruining holiday plans.

The Entry/Exit System has caused big travel disruptions.

To reduce travel chaos, especially during peak times, Greece decided to waive the EU requirement for British people to give fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. The Greek Embassy said: 'British passport holders do not need to give biometric information at Greek border controls.'

Now, Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampino Airport might also stop the EU requirements to avoid problems during the summer.

The CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, Marco Troncone, told the Financial Times that he is very worried about the summer. He said his concerns are 'eight or nine' out of 10 and that the process cannot handle the peak volumes. He thinks the only way is to make it easier.

While Rome has not made any changes yet, Greece is the only country to have officially eased the EU requirements for British travellers. An EU official said that European airports might relax the rules until September.

Uku Särekanno, from Frontex, said: 'We can lift biometric controls or registration until the end of the summer to help with the tourism season.'

If there are too many people queuing, countries can still lift biometric registration. The EU is looking at ways to make sure there is some relief during the summer.

The new digital border system is needed when first arriving at the airport border in the Schengen zone. It replaced the old manual passport-stamping process. Once registered, the system is valid for three years.

British people need to use the Entry/Exit System when entering the Schengen area.

Countries in the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, and many others. The EES system is not needed for travel to Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not in the Schengen area.

The Foreign Office confirmed the change for Greece on its travel advice page. It said: 'Greek authorities will not collect biometric data for UK travellers. Follow the advice of authorities and show your residence documentation at passport control if you live in Greece.'

Some major airports in Greece include the International Airport of Athens and others. There are also airports on the islands like Corfu International Airport.

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