UK holidaymakers heading to Majorca this autumn are being urged to prepare for increased delays as the EU rolls out its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES). Launching in October at Palma Son Sant Joan Airport, the system will replace manual passport stamping with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, a move designed to modernise border control across the Schengen Area. However, in its early stages, the shift is expected to cause significant congestion at entry points, particularly for non-EU travellers.
The EES forms part of a broader EU-wide initiative to enhance border security and streamline the monitoring of third-country nationals. For British visitors, it marks a fundamental change in how entry is processed: all biometric data will be captured and stored electronically upon arrival and departure. While intended to increase efficiency in the long term, border officials and travel authorities have warned of likely bottlenecks in the first weeks of implementation as systems are calibrated and staff adjust to new workflows.
Airlines and travel operators have begun issuing advisories recommending that UK travellers arrive at the airport earlier than usual. Delays could extend to flight boarding, baggage collection, and inter-airport transfers. For those connecting to other European destinations, tighter buffer times between flights will be essential to avoid missed departures.
Travel industry analysts highlight this rollout as a pivotal moment in post-Brexit travel, where British citizens face evolving administrative barriers. Looking ahead, the introduction of ETIAS in 2026, requiring pre-authorisation and a small fee, will further complicate the landscape for UK-EU travel. In this context, the EES may serve as a litmus test for how well travellers and infrastructure can adapt to these structural changes.
Ultimately, while the EES signals a necessary upgrade in European border security, British holidaymakers should be prepared for a transition period marked by slower processing and possible travel disruption. With proactive planning and awareness of new requirements, travellers can minimise delays and ensure their journey starts with confidence rather than confusion.
