The new Entry/Exit System has been gradually rolled out across many popular European destinations since October 2025.
Some 29 countries, including France, Portugal, Italy and Spain, have introduced the biometric border control process to their airports, but concerns have been raised over the possibility of the system causing long queues.
It requires non-EU nationals, and UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area to register biometric details, including fingerprints and photographs.
However, some hubs have seen waiting times at the border increase by up to 70 per cent as a result of the new process, with passengers standing in three hour queues, according to Airports Council International Europe.
Fortunately, holidaymakers worried about long airport lines can choose a destination that is exempt from the system – known as non-Schengen countries.
There are 14 countries, or 15 including the UK, that won’t have to introduce the checks and Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange has shared her recommendations for the best places to visit.
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is described as ‘quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe’
Laura describes Montenegro as ‘quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe’.
It has beaches, great weather and stunning landscapes but without the crowds and high price tags of other beloved spots.
‘A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20 to 30 per cent cheaper,’ she adds.
She recommends Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro which she says ‘offers outstanding natural beauty, looking out onto beautiful, bright blue waters, and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe’.
Return flights from London Gatwick to Podgorica cost just £38 per person and accommodation is just as affordable, costing from £23 per person, per night.
As for food and drink, a three-course meal in Kotor could set you back €40 (£31.78) and a pint of beer just €2.75 (£2.18).
‘This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices,’ Laura says.
Tirana, Albania
The capital of Albania, Tirana, is a ‘ vibrant and colourful city that is bursting with culture’
Often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’, Albania attracts thousands of Brits each year.
The travel expert recommends its capital, Tirana, which she describes as a ‘vibrant and colourful city that is bursting with culture’.
She adds, ‘One of the best ways to explore is by taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals.
‘The city is a foodie’s paradise too, with very reasonable prices. Remember to order Albanian favourites, Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk) for dessert.’
Return flights in April from London Stansted and Liverpool John Lennon to Tirana are as low as £28.
As for accommodation, holidaymakers can find a place to stay for just £12 a night.
Food and drink prices won’t disappoint either, and a three-course meal comes to 5,000 LEK (£45.01) per person.
Meanwhile, a pint doesn’t set you back much at just 269.21 LEK (£2.42).
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovinia
The vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is another spot Laura recommends for travellers wanting to skip the EES queues
The vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is another spot Laura recommends for travellers wanting to skip the EES queues.
She says, ‘Saravejo has one of the most diverse cultures on the continent, making it an endlessly intriguing place to visit.
‘It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.’
The landscape is particularly impressive too, and beautiful to explore with forested mountains and a valley. ‘The city has a picture-perfect backdrop,’ she adds.
Slightly more expensive than the other spots, but still affordable, return flights from London Stansted in April cost from £39 per person.
Meanwhile, accommodation is competitively priced from £18 a night.
Laura says, ”Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings. And, with prices averaging just £30 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.’
Enjoying a cool beer one sunny afternoon in Saravejo will only set you back 5 KM (£2.21) too.
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