British passport holders are being advised to perform a crucial check before a significant change takes effect on Friday to avoid potential hefty holiday charges. Starting from Friday, April 10, 2026, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to be fully implemented. This digital border system, initiated on October 12, 2025, is mandatory for Brits traveling to the Schengen area.
The Schengen area includes countries such as 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. Travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus does not require the EES system.
Under the new system, British citizens entering the Schengen area for short stays may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photograph upon arrival at the border, free of charge. While travelers do not need to take any action before reaching the border, it is crucial to be aware of the necessary passport requirements before the full operation of the EES system on Friday.
The government emphasizes that passports must meet specific criteria to avoid potential entry denials and subsequent return flights to the UK, resulting in lost holiday opportunities. Therefore, verifying the validity of passports and promptly renewing or replacing them if necessary is essential. The process can be completed through the government website, with the renewal or replacement typically taking about three weeks, though it may be longer during peak travel periods.
The rollout of the new EES system coincides with an upcoming increase in UK passport prices. Presently, an adult’s standard 34-page passport costs £94.50 when applied online, while a child’s standard passport costs £61.50. However, starting from Wednesday, April 8, the price for an adult’s standard passport will rise to £102, and a child’s passport will cost £66.50. By post, passport applications for adults will increase from £107 to £115.50 and from £74 to £80 for children.
Regarding the passport price adjustment, the Home Office stated that the new fees aim to cover costs and reduce reliance on general taxation for funding. The government clarified that no profit is made from passport applications. For additional information or to manage passport renewals or replacements, individuals can visit the government website.
