UK travellers face more checks and costs for 2026 holidays

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out unevenly and will introduce biometric checks for visits to the Schengen area, and travel-related costs and border procedures are rising ahead of 2026.

In a reader Q&A, Simon Calder outlines how travel in 2026 is becoming more bureaucratic, slower and more expensive. Much of the discussion focused on the EU's Entry/Exit System and how it is being introduced at different speeds across airports. Readers also raised concerns about US border checks and new charges such as tourist taxes and surcharges. The piece reports practical examples from airports and travellers to illustrate these changes. What is known: - The Entry/Exit System requires first-time registration with biometrics: four fingerprints and a facial biometric, with children under 12 exempt. - After the first registration, subsequent visits typically need only one biometric read, most likely the face. - Rollout is uneven across Europe: Prague was an early adopter and reported problems, while Alicante is described as operational with staff assisting travellers. - Until the EES rollout is completed (reported as due in April), travellers should expect longer border queues and instances of both biometrics checks and passport stamping described as "double red tape." - EU e-gates and EES are being integrated so that non-EU travellers will need EES registration to use the same e-gates; airport practice varies by location. - The article reports broader concerns: US border checks are described as unpredictable and proposals to review social media for ESTA applications have caused unease, while aviation security technology (such as CT scanners) and new tourist charges were noted as adding cost and inconsistency. Summary: Travel is described as offering rewards but becoming more bureaucratic and expensive, with the EES rollout and other border changes contributing to uncertainty. The EES completion date is reported as April; other operational details and the pace of changes across different airports remain undetermined at this time.