UK Tourists Face Border Delays for Spanish Island Holidays After April 10
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to UK tourists planning holidays to Majorca, Menorca, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, alerting them to expect longer waits and potentially heavy queues at borders following a significant European Union border change. This update comes as the EU's Entry Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational at the external borders of 29 European countries from April 10, 2026.
Entry Exit System Implementation
The EES, which has been gradually introduced since October, is at the centre of this travel advisory. It represents a major shift in border management for Brits traveling to EU destinations, particularly during the busy Easter period. Labour Party Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, emphasized the importance of preparation for travelers.
Alex Norris stated: "The EU's Entry Exit System will be a significant change for Brits travelling this Easter. Always check with your transport operator in case extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU."
He added that the government continues to engage with the European Commission to minimize disruption and has allocated over £10 million to support Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover for pre-departure checks.
Impact on Popular Holiday Destinations
This warning specifically affects UK tourists flying to the Balearic Islands (including Ibiza, Menorca, and Majorca) and the Canary Islands (such as Lanzarote and Tenerife). These destinations have seen increased interest recently, with TUI reporting that holidaymakers are avoiding Egypt, Turkey, and Cyprus due to Middle East chaos, opting instead for Spain's holiday islands.
In response to this demand, easyJet is expanding its flight services to these sun-kissed hotspots. Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK Country Manager, highlighted the airline's commitment to meeting customer needs.
Kevin Doyle explained: "Every Easter we see more customers choosing easyJet for our unrivalled network, choice, brilliant package holidays and great value – and this year we're set to fly more than 30,000 flights across Europe to over 140 destinations."
He noted that Easter provides a welcome break for families, couples, and friends, whether seeking early-spring sunshine or exploring European cities, and easyJet is focused on making travel easy by offering more flights to key destinations.
Travel Recommendations
To navigate these changes smoothly, tourists are advised to:
- Check with transport operators for any additional time requirements.
- Plan for potential delays at border crossings.
- Stay informed about the latest travel updates from the Foreign Office.
This border shake-up underscores the evolving travel landscape post-Brexit, with the EES aiming to enhance security but potentially causing initial disruptions for UK travelers heading to popular Spanish island getaways.
