Essential Guide to New Summer 2026 Travel Rules: Biometric Entry, ETIAS, and the Impact on Your European Trip

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As summer 2026 approaches, European airports are introducing a range of new travel regulations to streamline processes and ensure smoother transitions for the increasing number of passengers. These changes, part of a broader move toward more secure and efficient border controls, will impact millions of travellers. The most significant updates include the full implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), temporary exemptions for British travellers entering Greece, and the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) later in the year. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what these rules entail and how they will affect your journey through European airports.

1. Full Implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

Rule Overview

From April 10, 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully mandatory at all external borders of the Schengen Area. This includes airports, seaports, and land borders across European countries like France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Greece, among others. The system replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric data collection, marking a significant shift in how border control is handled within the EU.

Key Requirements

The most important change is that non-EU and non-EFTA nationals (including travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Japan, and Australia) are now required to provide biometric data—fingerprints and a facial scan—at passport control when they arrive and depart. This data will be stored in a central system and used to monitor compliance with the 90-day/180-day rule for short-stay visas. Passport stamping, a process that was used for decades, will now be replaced by electronic recording of entries and exits in this centralized database.

For travellers, this means that passport controls will now involve biometric checks rather than just physical stamps. Additionally, children under the age of 12 will only need to have their facial scan taken, while those 12 and older will need both fingerprints and facial recognition data.

Practical Impacts

As biometric checks become standard, processing times at passport control will inevitably increase, especially during the peak summer months when air traffic and passenger volume are at their highest. Airlines and travel advisories are recommending that passengers arrive earlier—2 to 3 hours before departure—to account for potential delays caused by biometric checks. Short connection times should also be avoided, as these checks can significantly slow down the process, especially during busy periods.

2. Greece Suspends EES Biometric Checks for British Travellers

Rule Overview

In response to concerns over queue times and congestion during the peak travel period of summer 2026, Greece has introduced a temporary exemption from the biometric EES checks for British travellers. This exemption is part of a national policy aimed at easing the bottleneck at Greek borders and ensuring that holidaymakers from the UK can enter the country without significant delays.

Key Points

British passport holders entering Greece may not be required to provide biometric fingerprints, although a facial scan might still be taken in certain circumstances. The temporary exemption is a national policy and does not apply to other Schengen Area countries, so travellers heading to other European destinations will still need to undergo full biometric checks under the EES system.

Status

This exemption is a temporary measure and is subject to change based on airport congestion levels and other factors throughout the summer 2026 travel season. Greece’s border control authorities will clarify the policy in real-time, and travellers are encouraged to stay updated with any changes prior to their travel dates.

3. ETIAS Travel Authorisation System Coming Later in 2026

Rule Overview

In addition to the EES biometric checks, another significant update will be the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While ETIAS will not be required for travel during the summer of 2026, it is set to become mandatory in late 2026—likely in the fourth quarter. This pre-travel authorisation system is designed for nationals of visa-exempt countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

What Travellers Should Know

ETIAS is essentially a pre-screening process that will allow travellers to apply online before their trip to European countries. The application process will require travellers to fill out personal information and answer a series of security questions. Once approved, the ETIAS authorisation will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. The application fee for ETIAS is expected to be around €20 for travellers aged 18–70.

Unlike the EES, which deals with arrivals and departures, ETIAS is a pre-travel requirement, verifying travellers’ eligibility to enter the Schengen Area. It’s a further layer of security, ensuring that border control authorities are aware of who is entering the region even before passengers board their flights.

Note for Summer 2026

While ETIAS will not be required for summer 2026 travel, travellers are advised to prepare for its introduction later in the year. Airlines and European border authorities will provide more detailed information as the rollout date approaches.

4. Preparing for Airport Travel in Summer 2026

Passport Control Delays and Preparation

As European airports prepare for the EES biometric entry/exit system, passengers should be ready for longer processing times at passport controls. Major airports like Madrid Barajas, Rome Fiumicino, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, and Athens International are likely to experience delays due to the volume of travellers and the time needed for biometric data collection.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early—at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time for biometric checks and to clear security.
• Have your passport ready before entering the queue to speed up the process.
• If travelling with children, ensure they are also prepared for biometric scans, especially if they are 12 years or older.
• Monitor updates on airport conditions and specific travel advisories to adjust your schedule as needed.

5. Quick Summary of Summer 2026 Airport Travel Rules in Europe

Mandatory Requirements

• Biometric entry/exit checks (EES) at all Schengen Area borders.
• Passport stamps will be replaced by electronic entry/exit records.
• Children under 12: only facial scans; 12 and older: both fingerprints and facial scans.
• ETIAS pre-travel authorisation will be mandatory later in 2026.

Country-Specific Variations

• Greece has temporarily exempted British travellers from biometric fingerprint checks to reduce border delays.

What You Need to Know

• Longer wait times expected at border control.
• Arrive earlier at airports to avoid stress and delays.
• ETIAS will be required later in 2026 for visa-exempt travellers.

Conclusion

The summer of 2026 will bring significant changes to the airport travel experience in Europe, with the implementation of biometric entry/exit systems and the upcoming ETIAS authorisation. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed about these changes, particularly extra processing times at passport control. Early arrivals at the airport and preparedness for biometric data checks will ensure a smoother journey through European borders during the peak summer travel period.