Which European countries won’t exempt Britons?
EU biometric border checks: Portugal and Italy won’t exempt Britons
Two European countries—Portugal and Italy—said they will not exempt British nationals from Schengen biometric border checks. The European Commission is referenced in the reporting as the body behind the biometric requirement, and the news is framed around a broader political shift where some travelers were hoping for exemptions.
What this means for travel
If you’re a Briton planning a trip during the season when biometric checks are in effect, the practical takeaway is simple: expect the same biometric screening process at entry.
That matters because biometric controls can affect:
- How fast you move through border points (lines and processing times can vary)
- The documents you need ready (passport compliance and entry procedures)
- Planning buffer time on arrival days
Why the exemption question matters
The specific point of the story is that the hope for exemptions is not universally supported. While some destinations might be moving in a more traveler-friendly direction, Portugal and Italy are not planning an exemption approach based on the reporting.
What you should do now
- Plan for biometric processing when timing arrivals into Portugal and Italy.
- Build extra time into travel-day logistics.
- Double-check official guidance close to departure, since border-policy details can evolve.
Overall, this is a policy reminder that—at least for Portugal and Italy—British travelers should prepare as if biometric border checks will apply.