British holidaymakers travelling over Easter will face long queues as new EU entry rules come into effect.

The new entry/exit system (EES) requires all passengers without an EU passport to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken.

People’s fingerprints will be captured and their pictures taken on first entry into the Schengen zone. They will then be checked at every entry and exit.

The system comes into full effect today. Until now, only 50 percent of passengers were being checked under the new system.

Trade body the Airports Council International (ACI) said that data “shows a continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points."

It said that airports were seeing queues of two hours at peak times, with some airports reporting even longer queues.

Larger airports carry out the procedure at kiosks, while smaller airports rely on border officials.

Olivier Jankovec, the director-general of ACI, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, the managing director of Airlines for Europe, said, "We reiterate our call on the European Commission and member states to extend the possibility to fully or partially suspend EES—where operationally necessary—during the entirety of the 2026 summer season. 

“This flexibility has proven vital in preventing catastrophic operational disruptions during the progressive rollout of the system. 

“If the technical and operational issues with EES are not resolved, this flexibility should remain available during future peak travel periods, such as winter 2026-27.”

The new system is operating with “fundamental challengers” that have not yet been resolved, the group said.

Alex Norris, the minister for border security, said, "Extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU."

Source: LBC