When it comes to jetting off abroad, it appears the rulebook is in constant flux, with yet another passport update recently announced. It's essential to be clued up before boarding any flight, as it could significantly affect the amount of time you're stuck at the airport.

Passport holders are being urged to take action if they're keen to reduce their time languishing in security queues. Whether you're planning a getaway in the near future or later during the summer months, there are crucial details you need to be aware of when travelling to certain countries, and familiarising yourself with the new regulations is vital to avoid any hiccups.

This isn't the first travel advisory to emerge recently either. Just last week, travellers were also told about another new rule.

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The changes were recently flagged up by Karen Schaler, who posted a frank video explaining what people need to know. She stated: "If you're a traveller, your passport isn't going to be enough to get you into Europe anymore or the UK.

"You're going to need an EES (Entry/Exit System) to get into 29 European countries. I'm going to start with the EES, because this is happening coming up this spring.

"That's the headline that everyone will have to do this. They soft-rolled it out last year."

Karen added: "You might have heard of it, you might have got it done already, which would be great, but there's a big warning about what's going on with this. It happens at the airport.

"It's nothing that you have to do ahead of time, although there is something you can do ahead of time. I'll tell you about that at the end, but you can show up at the airport and they're going to take a picture of your face, and they're going to take your fingerprints.

"This is for biometrics. This is now required by 29 countries to get into in Europe, meaning your passport isn't going to be stamped anymore. This is going to be the new way to go.

"It's going to last about three years. But, again the warning, we've heard of lines two to four hours long, so be sure you plan accordingly.

"And, the insider tip, there is an app that you can use to pre-register to help save that big, long line at the airport. Let me know if you want more on that, because there are some ups and downs of that."

The Government website provides guidance about what travellers need to understand regarding the scheme. It explains: "The European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025.

"This is a new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area. EES checks are being introduced in a phased way for non-EU and UK travellers, with full operation expected from April 2026."

The Schengen area encompasses Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside the Schengen zone, meaning EES doesn't apply when visiting these destinations. The guidance states: "If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive.

"You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU, but during the phased implementation border points will also stamp passports.

"EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts."

What you might not be aware of is the Travel to Europe mobile app, specifically created for non-EU visitors subject to EES registration. The application allows travellers to pre-register their passport information and facial photograph before arriving at a border crossing where EES operates.

Travellers can also complete the entry conditions questionnaire beforehand. It's understood non-EU nationals are able to use the app to pre-register their details up to 72 hours prior to entering or departing a European nation.

Whilst it doesn't substitute border checks, it can help make border crossings smoother, quicker and more streamlined. Nevertheless, people are urged to verify the officialEU EES website to confirm which countries are presently accepting the app for entry.

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