issued

The airline has previously called for Portugal to suspend the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)

Ryanair has provided an update regarding its stance on the contentious EU entry-exit system (EES). The budget carrier has been an outspoken opponent of the new digital system, which is progressively replacing traditional passport stamps for British travellers heading to the Schengen zone.

The airline particularly highlighted the EES implementation in Portugal, which has come under fire in recent weeks. The system has been repeatedly suspended during peak periods to allow passengers to catch their flights following reports of significant delays.

“Portuguese Government needs to suspend new Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer season,” a Ryanair statement posted on Instagram declared.

“Otherwise, passengers are forced to endure excessive border control queue times at Portuguese airports.”

Uncertainty arose following suggestions that Portugal and Italy were poised to mirror Greece’s approach, which announced it had effectively halted the EES process for British nationals until summer’s end. However, neither Portugal nor Italy verified these claims.

EES explained

EES received a soft launch last October, but was scheduled to become fully operational on April 10, 2026. It requires most visitors – including Britons – from beyond the EU to register biometric information each time they enter or exit the Schengen free travel area. The countries in the Schengen area are: 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.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside the Schengen zone, meaning EES does not apply when travelling to either of these destinations. No action is required prior to reaching the border, and EES registration is completely free of charge.

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Reports have emerged from Italy of passengers missing their flights, prompting the UK Government to warn: “EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.”

Ryanair has previously hit out at the EES system. Branding it ‘half-baked’ earlier this month, the airline stated: “Despite knowing for over three years that EES would become fully operational from 10 April 2026, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany have failed to ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place.

“As a result, passengers are suffering long passport control queues and, in some cases, missing their flights.

“Ryanair calls on these EU Governments to suspend the rollout of the EU’s passport control Entry/Exit System (EES) until September to ensure that passengers are not needlessly forced to suffer long passport control queue delays at European airports during the peak summer season.”

Several UK airlines may have to cancel flights or hike prices ahead of summer with travel experts warning passengers to ensure insurance is in check with ‘refund’ update

As summer holidays are approaching and UK airlines are facing some disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, passengers have been urged to be aware of their refund rights.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite ceasefire negotiations, and as the passage for over 20 per cent of the world’s fuel, this is impacting travel across the globe, including British travellers.

Travel experts are warning holidaymakers to be aware of how to protect your plans before summer commences.

Fuel prices have nearly doubled since the war began, with the International Energy Agency describing the situation as potentially the largest energy crisis the world has faced.

A document has been submitted to ministers and the Civil Aviation Authority warning that if disruption “worsens” airlines in the UK will be forced to increase fares and cut flights.

Airlines UK, which represents a number of carriers, including EasyJet, Jet2, British Airways and Ryanair, say in the document that “the doubling of jet fuel costs (with fuel accounting for around one-third of airline costs) represents a major additional price shock”.

The letter is an attempt to get the government to step in to secure fuel supplies and give airlines more flexibility to cope with soaring costs.

One of the asks is to allow the temporary import and use of Jet A – a grade of jet fuel produced in the US, according to ITV.

The emergency document illustrates the financial fears of airlines, adding to the concern that flights may be cut or prices escalated.

A travel expert has warned that British travellers should ensure “travel insurance is in order” and “check booking terms” ahead of summer.

Airlines will still be required to offer full refunds, should flights be cancelled, or provide an alternative route.

The spokesperson for Ski Vertigo said: “This is a situation every traveller with a summer booking should be watching closely. Prices are already moving and the risk of cancellations is real, particularly on shorter intra-European routes where the economics are tightest.

“Our advice is to make sure your travel insurance is in order, check your booking terms, and keep a close eye on any communications from your airline.” They added: “If your flight is cancelled, airlines are still required to offer you a full refund or an alternative route, and their duty of care — covering meals, accommodation where needed, and rebooking — remains in place regardless of the reason for the disruption.

“However, because this crisis stems from a geopolitical conflict outside the airline’s control, it is likely to be treated as an extraordinary circumstance, which means financial compensation beyond a refund is unlikely in most cases.”

More than 2.5million Brits visited Portugal last year, and it could be even more popular in 2026 due to the Iran conflict

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for those heading to Portugal. The update was released today (March 20).

Fresh information has been provided for individuals seeking to remain in Portugal beyond 90 days under exceptional circumstances. The updated guidance states: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”

It adds: “If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”

For British passport holders, visas aren’t required for short visits to EU nations or Schengen zone countries provided both conditions are met:

Your combined stay within the Schengen zone must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. The number of countries visited is irrelevant. The 180-day timeframe continuously ‘rolls over’, reports the Liverpool Echo.

EES

Since October 2025, the European Union has implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs upon initial entry to or departure from the Schengen zone. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 10 April. However, the system has been plagued by teething problems, resulting in many travellers waiting for hours at airports. Because the system requires non-EU visitors – including Brits – to register their fingerprints and take a photo in person at the border, the additional registration time is already causing massive queues for non-European passengers at airports across the region.

It has caused such disruption that some locations have temporarily suspended its use. The European Commission has suggested that border authorities may pause the new system for up to six hours during peak travel times until September to help ease congestion.

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Portugal

More and more Brits are booking flights to Portugal as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Dubai are being viewed as increasingly risky, so travellers are opting for safer alternatives like Portugal and Spain.

Bookings to Portugal had increased by 42% over the two weeks to 13 March, according to Thomas Cook – the largest rise in any of the countries they arrange holidays to. It was followed by the Balearic Islands (40 per cent) and the Canary Islands (16 per cent).

TravelSupermarket shared data on online search interest, which it said demonstrates a “clear surge” for European and Atlantic destinations and away from the Middle East.