In a bid to avoid lengthy EU border checks this summer, Brits are snapping up flights to a European hotspot, and it only costs £35 to fly there.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) rolled out across 29 European countries on April 10, replacing old-school passport stamps with a new digital system.
It means travellers from the UK heading to the Schengen area may need to register biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the border.
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But the process hasn't been smooth, with reports of disruption at UK airports and 'delays of up to four hours'.
So, where is everyone flying this summer to avoid lengthy queues, and which countries are excluded from EES checks? Find out more below.
Where is the Thailand of Europe?
Amid airport chaos, Brits are booking flights to the 'Thailand of Europe' in Albania, which is unaffected by the new EES rules.
With flights from £35* and temperatures of up to 30 degrees in summer, travellers have drawn similarities between the impressive Shala River and Thailand.
A more budget-friendly alternative to Asia, it's a haven for adventurers with hiking, snorkelling and wild swimming on offer in the Albanian Alps.
To get there, you'll need to fly into the capital of Tirana and hire a car from there to travel north.
According to Lee Thompson, co-founder of social travel company Flash Pack, it's a growing destination.
"Albania gives travellers a Greek-style summer: a beautiful coastline, great food, warm weather, and wine at a fraction of the cost," Thompson explains.
"With flight prices higher this year, affordable destinations become far easier to justify. British travellers are bargain-hunting, and Albania delivers."
Brits can travel to the country for up to 90 days without a visa within a 180-day period, so it makes for a great holiday destination if you're after some sun.
*Prices based on a flight from Manchester airport via Ryanair on Wednesday, August 26 at 4.20pm. Find out more on Skyscanner here.
Where else to travel this summer to avoid EES airport queues
If you've already ticked Albania off the bucket list, there are some other incredible European countries where EES rules doesn't apply.
For instance, you could travel to one of the following: Ireland, Cyprus, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Turkey.
You can check flight times and fares on the following sites: Skyscanner, British Airways, and Booking.com.
Airport parking can also be booked on the following sites: Holiday Extras, Airparks, and Wowcher.
Are British passport holders exempt from EES in Greece?
If you've booked a trip to Greece this summer, you'll be pleased to know the government has waived EES biometric registration for UK passport holders.
At the time of writing, that means Greece is the only Schengen country where UK travellers can currently avoid the biometric process entirely.
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, said the decision will ensure a 'smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece'.
Make sure to keep an eye on the news before you head to the airport though, as the exemption is 'until further notice', so things can change.
The following countries are using EES:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece *UK passport holders are currently exempt from EES checks at Greek airports and seaports
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
How to pre-register for EES
According to Holiday Extras, there is no formal pre-registration system in most countries, but it's worth downloading the Travel to Europe app before you fly.
There, you will be able to enter your passport details and facial photograph 74 hours before check-in.
There may also be pre-enrolment kiosks at select airports, but it doesn't mean you'll necessarily be able to avoid lengthy queues.
Topics: Travel
Danielle Fowler