UK holidaymakers jetting off to any of the Balearic or Canary Islands are being cautioned over a European Union border alteration. The Foreign Office has alerted UK tourists to anticipate lengthier waits and potentially hefty queues at borders following a border overhaul.

The EU's Entry Exit System (EES), which has been progressively introduced since October and will become fully operational at the external borders of 29 European countries from 10 April, is at the heart of the warning.

Labour Party Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris said: "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.

"We continue to engage with the European Commission on taking steps to help minimise disruption for Brits as much as possible. The government has also provided more than £10 million for Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover for those needing checks before departure."

This comes amidst the turmoil in the Middle East, with TUI claiming holidaymakers are avoiding Egypt, Turkey and Cyprus, opting for Spain's holiday islands instead.

And easyJet is scheduling additional flights to these sun-drenched holiday destinations. The Canaries include Lanzarote and Tenerife, while Ibiza, Menorca and Majorca are in the Balearics.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK Country Manager, said: "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.

"Easter marks a welcome chance for families, couples and friends to enjoy a break together, whether that's a dose of earlyspring sunshine or exploring one of Europe's great cities.

"We're continuing to offer even more flying to the destinations that matter most to our customers, always focused on making travel easy."