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  "path": "/travel/eu-travel-rule-change-ees",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-07T14:58:20.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Late holiday deals: Jet off to Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Caribbean and more from £198pp",
    "England's most colourful walking trails with vibrant floral displays that come alive in April",
    "Britons can now book new scenic train tours passing through Europe's stunning landscapes",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nThe EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live on April 10, 2026 and will change the way Britons travel into Europe.\n\nHolidaymakers' arrivals and departures will be marked electronically, rather than with passport stamps.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis digital border system has been rolling out gradually since October, but from this week it will become fully operational across 29 European countries.\n\nThis will affect travel to holiday hotspots such as France, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Portugal, Greece and more.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSo what does this mean for your next trip to the continent? Instead of a quick stamp in your passport, border officials will now log your arrival and departure electronically.\n\nWhen you first travel under the new system, you will need to register your biometric details at the border. That means having fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken.\n\nThose with a biometric passport can use self-service kiosks to speed things along. Those without one can still complete the process at staffed desks.\n\nOnce you have done this initial registration, the information will stay on file for three years, meaning subsequent trips should be much quicker and more straightforward. Everyone must follow the new system and will not be allowed entry if they refuse to provide their biometric data.\n\n### LATEST TRAVEL\n\n\n\n\n  * Late holiday deals: Jet off to Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Caribbean and more from £198pp\n  * England's most colourful walking trails with vibrant floral displays that come alive in April\n  * Britons can now book new scenic train tours passing through Europe's stunning landscapes\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe system applies to anyone visiting for short stays, which is categorised as up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The new checks will apply whether you are jetting off on holiday or travelling for work.\n\nThere are some exceptions worth knowing about. Ireland and Cyprus aren't part of the scheme, so traditional passport checks continue there.\n\nThose who already hold an EU residency permit or long-term visa are exempt too. The same goes for transport crew members and certain cross-border workers.\n\nFor everyone else heading to the Schengen zone, the EES will be part of your journey from this week onwards.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBritons have been warned of some delays from this weekend as the system is rolled out. There may be some longer waits at airports, ports and Eurostar terminals during the first few weeks as everyone gets used to the new process.\n\nHolidaymakers are recommended to build in extra time for their next journey, particularly if this is soon after the launch.\n\nChildren under 12 won't need to give fingerprints, though they will still have their photo taken.\n\nThe EU says the system is designed to strengthen security and reduce fraud, and once the initial adjustment period passes, crossing borders should actually become smoother and more efficient.\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Travelling to Europe? What to know about new EU rules rolling out across 29 countries this week"
}