Italy and Portugal Confirm Enforcement of EES Biometric Checks for British Travelers

In a significant development for British holidaymakers, Italy and Portugal have confirmed on May 12, 2026, that they will fully enforce the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks, rejecting calls for suspensions amid ongoing rumors. This decision underscores the importance of the 90/180-day Schengen rule, which limits UK visitors to 90 days within any 180-day period in the bloc, with EES now automating tracking via fingerprints and facial scans on first entry. Travelers are urged to prepare for potential queues at airports like Lisbon and Rome, as the countries align with European Commission guidelines allowing only limited, temporary pauses.

The confirmation follows conflicting media reports earlier this month, where outlets speculated that Portugal and Italy might join Greece in waiving checks for UK nationals to avoid half-term disruptions. However, a European Commission spokesperson clarified that no blanket exemptions exist, emphasizing that biometric collection remains mandatory except in short, reported six-hour windows for excessive queues until at least July—or September under specific conditions. Italy's interior ministry echoed this, stating it would revert to full EES enforcement to ensure compliance with the 90/180 stay limits, while Portugal affirmed its policy of suspending scans only when wait times exceed 15 minutes.

This move brings clarity for the summer travel season, but experts warn of teething issues with EES implementation across the Schengen Area. British travelers should ensure passports have blank pages for any manual stamps during flex periods, monitor airline updates, and use apps to track their 90/180 eligibility. As France and Croatia weigh similar stances, full enforcement from autumn could reshape intra-EU travel patterns for frequent visitors.