EU Entry/Exit System: Which Countries Are Easing EES Checks for British Tourists?

What Is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) requires non-EU nationals — including UK passport holders — to register biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) when entering the Schengen Area for short stays. Once registered, this data is linked to the passport, reducing repeat processing on future visits to any Schengen country.

With the peak summer travel season approaching, here is how the major European destinations are currently handling EES checks for British tourists.

Greece — The Exception

Greece is currently not applying EES biometric registration to British passport holders, opting instead for manual passport stamping. This has been described as a practical response to managing passenger flow at its busy airports and border crossings. For British tourists, this means a faster and more familiar entry process at Greek borders.

Spain

Spain is operating EES at its external borders. First-time visitors from the UK are required to provide fingerprints and a facial image, with biometric data stored for future crossings. Regional authorities have raised concerns about potential delays during peak summer travel as processing volumes increase.

Importantly, British residents in Spain holding a valid TIE card are not processed as short-stay visitors and are therefore not subject to EES registration.

Portugal, Italy and France

Portugal and Italy are both applying EES as required under EU rules, with UK nationals required to complete biometric registration on arrival. France is similarly implementing EES at external borders, though border authorities may adjust processing speeds during periods of high passenger volume.

Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland

All four are applying standard EES requirements for non-EU travellers, including British passport holders. No national exemptions have been announced.

Ireland and Cyprus — Unaffected

Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area and do not participate in EES. Both countries continue their existing passport control procedures — making them effectively EES-free destinations for British tourists.

Key Tips for British Travellers

• British residents in Spain should carry their TIE card when travelling to avoid being processed as short-stay visitors
• Allow extra time at airports during peak summer periods — EES processing can add time at busy border points
• Processing times vary by location and passenger volume

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published May 8, 2026.