New EU Border Checks Start 10th April '26
Important travel update for Soca Wkndr guests. What the new Entry Exit System (EES) means for your journey.
By Soca Wkndr Team
From 10 April 2026, the European Union's new Entry Exit System (EES) begins full operation. This affects many non-EU travellers entering parts of Europe for short stays, including many people travelling on a UK passport.
What changes?
For some trips into Europe, travellers may no longer just receive a passport stamp. Border authorities may record your entry digitally. Which can include scanning your passport, taking a facial image, and collecting fingerprints at the border.
Does this affect UK travellers?
Yes. If you are travelling on a British passport to participating European countries for a short stay, you should expect this system may apply to you. There is no separate EES form to complete in advance. The process happens at the border.
Relevant destinations
This matters for many European destinations our community travels to, including Portugal, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, and Malta.
Our advice
- Check the entry rules linked to your passport
- Leave more time for your journey than you normally would
- Do not cut arrival times too close on event day
- Build a little breathing room into your travel plans
Europe is still open. The experiences are still there. We simply want our community to move with awareness, travel with confidence, and arrive ready for the weekend ahead.