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BRIT TRAVELLER GUIDE
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EES at Algarve (FAO)
British Traveller Guide 2026

Faro Airport (FAO) serves the entire Algarve and is generally considered one of the most efficient airports for EES processing in southern Europe.

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⏱️ Live EES Queue Times — FAO

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🛂 EES at FAO: What to Expect

FAO's modern terminal has plentiful EES booths. Queues are typically shorter than Spanish equivalents even at peak times.

💡 Best time to arrive: FAO is consistently efficient — peak summer arrivals still tend to move well.

✈️ Algarve EES Tips

📋 The EES Process Explained

1
Scan your passport
Place your passport photo-page down on the scanner at the EES kiosk. The system reads your chip and biographic data.
2
Fingerprint scan
An officer or automated kiosk captures fingerprints from both hands (4 fingers on each hand, then thumbs). Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
3
Facial scan
Look at the camera. The scan takes a few seconds. Everyone (including children) has a facial scan.
4
You're through
Your data is stored for 3 years. Next time you visit, the process is faster as your biometrics are already on file.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is EES and when did it start?+
EES (Entry/Exit System) is the EU's biometric border system that launched on 10 April 2026. It replaced passport stamps for non-EU travellers and records fingerprints, a facial scan, and entry/exit dates electronically.
Do British passport holders need to do EES?+
Yes. British passports are treated as non-EU documents since Brexit. You complete EES biometrics on your first Schengen entry — passport scan, fingerprints (4 fingers + thumbs), and facial scan. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
How long does EES take at the airport?+
First registration takes 2–5 minutes per person at the booth. Return visits are faster — data stored 3 years. Peak summer can mean queue waits of 20–45 minutes at busy airports.
What passport validity do I need for EU travel?+
Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Schengen AND issued within the last 10 years. The '6 months rule' does not apply to EU/Schengen travel.
What is the 90-day rule for British travellers?+
Maximum 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone combined. EES tracks this automatically and overstays are flagged at the border.
Is my old EHIC card still valid?+
Yes — old blue EHIC cards are valid until their expiry date. After that, the new UK GHIC is the replacement. It's free at nhs.uk/ghic and covers emergency treatment in EU countries.
What is ETIAS and do I need it?+
ETIAS is a separate EU pre-travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA). As of June 2026 it has not launched — it's expected in late 2026. Completely separate from EES.

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