British tourists heading to Majorca are being advised to prepare for new and stricter border controls at Palma de Mallorca Airport, as a major EU-wide system is set to roll out from next week. From November 19, Palma Airport will activate the EU's long-planned Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamping with a digital system that records biometric data for non-EU travellers - including UK citizens.

Under the new regime, first-time arrivals will be asked to scan their passport, have a facial photograph taken, and provide four fingerprints. These details will be stored in an EU database and used to monitor when visitors enter and leave the Schengen Area. Officials expect some teething problems at first, with longer queues likely, as travellers adjust to the new kiosks and staff get up to speed. Manual passport stamping will continue during the initial phase while the system is phased in.

The changes in Majorca follow the implementation of the new system at Madrid Airport in October, with Menorca and a few other Spanish airports adopting it earlier this month.

The EES is not the only change on the horizon. Later, British travellers will also need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before they travel - a travel authorisation costing around €20 (£18), valid for up to three years. This is expected to be enforced once the new border system is fully operational.

Ahead of the changes, Brits heading to Majorca for some late autumn sun are being advised to make sure their passport is biometric and valid and to give themselves extra time at passport control when arriving in Majorca. It is also recommended to keep all documents handy, including hotel details, return ticket, and proof of onward travel, which may be requested.

Travel experts are warning that this is a significant shift that could catch holidaymakers off guard, especially those accustomed to quick arrivals and traditional stamping.

The EES is a new EU-wide digital border management system applicable to non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays. Instead of manual passport stamping, border authorities will digitally record biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, along with personal travel document data, entry/exit times and locations. The system also logs refused entries.

The system officially went live on October 12 and will be gradually deployed over the next six months. Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026. During this transitional period, passport stamping may still happen at some borders while they switch to EES. It has been introduced in a bid to modernise EU border checks and make them more efficient. It also aims to more effectively detect overstayers - individuals who stay beyond their permitted 90-day limit within a 180-day period.

On your first crossing into a participating country under EES, you will likely have to scan your passport, have a photo taken and give four fingerprints. On subsequent crossings, checks should be quicker - just a verification rather than a full biometric re-collection. Your biometric registration will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires, for future entries.