biometric checks News & Analysis

Portugal (PRT) and Italy (ITA) Maintain Digital Border Checks for Brits

Portugal and Italy have confirmed they will not exempt British nationals from the EU's new biometric border checks, as stated by the European Commission. This decision follows challenges faced by travelers, leading to long queues and missed flights due to the Entry-Exit System (EES) launched last October. The EES requires biometric registration for many short-term visitors from outside the EU, with the full operation expected on April 10. Amidst increased flight cancellations—13,000 globally for May, or 1% of the total—the Commission continues to communicate with member states on the implementation of these checks.