Ryanair has highlighted some ‘commonly affected routes’
Ryanair has sent emails to customers who may be affected(Image: Getty)
Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ alert to passengers with upcoming bookings ahead of a major change that came into force earlier this year.
Emails to Ryanair customers read: “From 10 April 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is in place at all Schengen Area external borders. As a result, passport control may take longer for some passengers.” The messages add that passengers are affected if they hold a non-EU/non‑EEA /non‑Swiss passport and are flying into or out of the Schengen Area.
The correspondence continues: “Commonly affected routes include flights between the Schengen Area and countries such as: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye, Egypt, Israel and others.” Holidaymakers and other travellers may need to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, and have a facial image taken at passport control.
Because of the more extensive checks, longer queues may form, particularly at busy airports. Queues may also form before security.
If you are affected, Ryanair suggests you arrive at the airport early to allow for queues, have all travel documents ready, and follow signs marked ‘EES / Passport Control’. EU, EEA and Swiss passport holders are not affected, and neither is anyone flying within the Schengen Area, for example from Spain to Italy, or from Germany to France.
Ryanair added: “If you are denied entry, this will be due to EU policy, not Ryanair’s rules. Find out more about how EES may affect your travel plans.”