AGP Executive Report

Entry/Exit System (EES) Delays: New EES border checks are adding major friction at Swiss airports, with travellers from outside Schengen sometimes facing waits of up to two hours (and longer when multiple non-Schengen flights land together). Travel Planning Tip: With EES biometric processing still settling in, travellers are being told to arrive at least three hours early to avoid missed flights. Roaming Relief Talks: The EU has agreed to start formal talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans (WB6), aiming to bring EU-style roaming rates to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Visa Pressure on Russians: Eleven EU countries are pushing for stricter visa rules for Russian citizens, citing rising tourist visa issuance amid the Ukraine war. Liechtenstein Angle: Liechtenstein is named as part of the EES/Schengen travel landscape and also included in the wider connectivity footprint for Fi’s AI GPS pet wearables.

Border Delays at Swiss Airports: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), fully running since April 10, is already adding major time at passport control for non-EU arrivals. Reports say waits can reach around two hours (and longer at peak times), as travellers must be registered with biometric data on first entry. Plan Ahead for EES: With the system still ironing out “teething” issues, travellers are being urged to arrive up to three hours early to avoid missing flights. Roam Like at Home Expansion: The EU has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to six Western Balkan countries, including Liechtenstein’s neighbouring region partners like North Macedonia, with the aim of cutting roaming charges once each country aligns telecom rules with EU standards. ETIAS Costs Coming: For visa-free travellers, ETIAS is expected later in 2026, with a fee set at €20 (with some age exemptions), adding another pre-trip step for summer travel. Local Angle—Liechtenstein in the Mix: Liechtenstein is repeatedly named in EU travel coverage as part of the Schengen/EEA travel landscape, meaning changes to border and roaming rules can directly affect how visitors plan trips.

Entry/Exit System (EES) Travel Delays: Non-EU travellers are being told to arrive up to three hours early as the EU’s Entry/Exit System rolls out, with biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) causing long queues and missed flights at airports including Geneva and Zurich. Roam Like at Home Expansion: The EU has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), aiming to bring EU-style roaming prices to travellers once each country aligns telecom laws. ETIAS Fee Update: The EU’s planned ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is expected to cost €20, with a grace period likely pushing compulsory use into 2027. North Macedonia Gets a Boost: North Macedonia is seeing more visitors, helped by a 7% rise in 2025 and new direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid—an easy add-on for travellers looking beyond the usual Greece crowd. Liechtenstein in the Mix: Liechtenstein is repeatedly referenced as part of the EEA/Schengen travel landscape, including for roaming coverage and EES/ETIAS context.

Entry/Exit System (EES) travel chaos: UK and other non-EU travellers are being told to arrive at least three hours early for flights to Europe after EES biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) triggered long queues and missed connections at airports including Milan and Schiphol, with Geneva and Zurich also reporting delays of up to around two hours or more. Border rules in focus: EES is now fully operational across Schengen, and it’s part of the build-up to ETIAS later in 2026—so travellers should expect friction at busy times and plan extra buffer. Roaming relief talks: The EU has approved negotiations to extend “Roam Like at Home” to six Western Balkan countries, aiming to bring domestic-rate mobile use across the EU and the region once telecom laws are aligned. Health coverage reminder: Travellers without a GHIC card may miss out on state-provided medical treatment costs in Europe, so it’s worth applying before you go. Liechtenstein angle: RULEMATCH says it has MiCA authorization in Liechtenstein to run a crypto trading platform, with onboarding via its Vaduz entity.

EU Roaming Deal: The EU has agreed to start talks to scrap mobile roaming fees for six Western Balkan countries, aiming for “use-at-home” rates once each country updates telecom laws—good news for travelers passing through the region. Schengen Border Strain: New EU Entry/Exit System checks are already slowing arrivals at Swiss airports, with up to two hours (and longer at peak times) at passport control—expect delays especially when multiple non-Schengen flights land together. Roam Like at Home Expansion: The EU Council also approved negotiations to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans, which would let calls, texts and data work abroad without extra roaming charges under home-like rules. ETIAS & EES Reality Check: Coverage continues to warn travelers that EES is fully operational and biometric registration can mean longer queues, while ETIAS is still expected later in 2026—so plan buffer time. Liechtenstein Travel Tech: RULEMATCH received MiCA authorization in Liechtenstein to run a crypto trading platform via its Vaduz entity, reinforcing the country’s growing role in European finance.

EU Roam Like at Home Expansion: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), building on the current coverage that already includes Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway—so travellers should eventually get roaming charges closer to “at home” rates. Schengen Border Stress for Summer Trips: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across 29 Schengen countries, and travellers are reporting delays—airline leaders even urge non-EU passengers to arrive up to three hours early to avoid missing flights. ETIAS Fee Watch: ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026 (with a grace period), and the planned fee is now €20—so plan ahead for future short-stay trips. Dual Pricing Hits Tourists: Popular European attractions are rolling out nationality-based pricing, with the Louvre and other major sites charging non-EEA visitors more than EU/EEA residents (including Liechtenstein). Liechtenstein Tech for Pet Travel: Fi’s AI GPS pet wearables are expanding to 38 countries, with connectivity coverage including Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein—good news for pet owners travelling across borders.

EU border rules hit summer travel: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully running across 29 Schengen countries, collecting fingerprints and facial scans for non-EU visitors—good for security, but bad for queues. Reports of long lines and missed flights keep popping up, and airlines are urging travellers to arrive early. More costs for UK visitors: Since Brexit, some top European sights have introduced dual pricing for non-EEA visitors. The Louvre is one example, charging extra for Brits compared with EU/EEA residents (including Liechtenstein). ETIAS fee and timing: ETIAS is expected in late 2026 (with a grace period), and the planned cost is €20 for eligible travellers—so planning ahead matters even if it’s not compulsory yet. Liechtenstein in the mix: Liechtenstein is repeatedly referenced as part of the EEA/Schengen travel landscape, including for who pays less at certain attractions and where EES applies. Local business/tech: RULEMATCH says its MiCA-authorised crypto trading platform in Liechtenstein can onboard EEA participants via its Vaduz entity, with trading set to start using an RFQ model. Travel lifestyle spotlight: A fresh look at Liechtenstein highlights why the tiny, wealthy principality is still a low-key destination—more community and traditions than “royal intrigue” alone.

Dual Pricing Hits Top Sights: Brits and other non-EU visitors are facing higher entry fees at major attractions, with the Louvre raising non-EEA prices from €22 to €32—while EU/EEA visitors (including Liechtenstein and Norway) pay less. EU Border Chaos: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live across Schengen, and travelers are being told to expect delays and longer airport lines as biometric checks roll out. ETIAS Costs & Timing: ETIAS (the next pre-travel authorisation after EES) is expected to arrive late 2026, with a €20 fee for most people and a grace period pushing compulsory use into 2027. Spain Paperwork Reminder: For Spain trips, border officials may ask for proof of onward travel, insurance, sufficient funds, and accommodation details, plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. Liechtenstein Tech & Travel Angle: Fi’s AI GPS pet wearables now cover 38 countries including Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein—useful for travelers planning longer stays. Local Business News: RULEMATCH received Liechtenstein MiCA authorisation to run a crypto trading venue via its Vaduz entity.

Crypto & Finance: RULEMATCH says Liechtenstein’s FMA has authorized it to run a MiCA crypto trading venue, with onboarding via its Vaduz-based RULEMATCH Europe AG. EU Border Rules: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live across Schengen, and travelers are reporting delays and long queues as biometric checks roll out; Brits are being told to arrive early for return flights. ETIAS Fees & Timing: ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026 (with a grace period), and the fee is set at €20 for most travelers—so summer trips may be less affected than later travel. Spain Travel Paperwork: For Brits heading to Spain, border officials may ask for proof like an onward ticket, travel insurance, sufficient funds, and accommodation details, plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. Tourism Costs: Some major attractions are moving to “dual” pricing, charging higher admission to visitors from outside the EEA. Practical Travel Warnings: DEFRA warns travelers not to bring meat or dairy into Great Britain from the EU, or face seizure and possible penalties.

EU Border Prep (EES): The EU’s Entry/Exit System is fully running and can mean delays as countries iron out “wrinkles.” Non-EU travelers may need biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scan) instead of passport stamps, so experts advise building extra buffer time. ETIAS Timing & Fees: ETIAS (the next step after EES) is expected to launch in late 2026, with a €20 fee and a grace period—so most trips this year won’t require it yet. UK Travel Warning (EES Queues): A Wizz Air boss says Brits should arrive up to three hours early for the return flight due to longer border lines; some airports have seen major congestion. Spain Entry Paperwork: For Spain, border officials may ask for an onward ticket, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of where you’re staying. UK Import Rules (Food): DEFRA warns you can’t bring meat or dairy (like cheese and cured meats) back from the EU to Great Britain, or you could face fines up to £5,000. Liechtenstein Link: Liechtenstein is among the Schengen countries using EES, so the same border rules apply for travelers passing through.

ETIAS Fees & Timing: UK travellers heading to 30 European countries face a new entry authorisation, with the ETIAS charge set at €20 (under-18s and over-70s exempt). It’s expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026, with a grace period pushing compulsory use into 2027. EES Border Delays: The EU’s Entry/Exit System is fully live across Schengen, collecting fingerprints and facial biometrics—so an airline boss is urging holidaymakers to arrive up to three hours early for the trip home, with queues already causing missed flights. Spain Entry Paperwork: For Spain trips, border officials may ask for proof of onward travel, travel insurance, sufficient funds, and accommodation details—plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. UK Import Rules: DEFRA warns travellers not to bring meat or dairy from the EU into Great Britain; undeclared items can be seized and penalties can reach £5,000. Dual Pricing at Attractions: Some major sights are charging higher admission to non-EEA visitors, including examples in Paris. North Macedonia Gets a Boost: North Macedonia is seeing more tourists and new UK direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid, making it a quieter alternative for Greece fans.

EU Border Chaos for Travelers: The Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live across Schengen, and airline leaders are warning Brits to build in extra time—some passengers are missing flights after longer passport-control queues and added biometric checks. EES + ETIAS Update: ETIAS (not a visa) is expected to start in late 2026, but for now the big practical impact is EES registration at borders. Brits’ Practical Tips for Summer: France is trialling e-gates for Brits if they first use an EES pre-registration kiosk, while Spain border checks may include requests for return/onward tickets, insurance, proof of funds, and accommodation details. Tourism Costs Watch: Some major attractions are rolling out higher “non-resident” pricing, with examples including Paris venues charging more to UK visitors outside the EEA. Local Travel Angle (Liechtenstein in the mix): Liechtenstein is listed among the 29 Schengen countries using EES, so the same border delays and biometric requirements can affect travel plans through the region. Trade Talks (Travel-linked): Mercosur and Canada advanced free-trade negotiations in Toronto, while India and Oman’s CEPA is set to start June 1—both signals of shifting travel and business flows.

EU Border Rules for Brits: Wizz Air’s boss warns travellers to arrive up to three hours early for flights home as the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) adds extra passport checks and biometric scanning, with some passengers missing connections. EES Rollout & ETIAS: EES is now fully operational across Schengen (including Liechtenstein), and the next step, ETIAS, is expected only in late 2026—so for now, the big headache is queues at airports. Spain Entry Paperwork: For Spain trips, Brits are reminded border staff may ask for a return/onward ticket, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation proof—plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. France E-Gates Update: Some travellers can reduce EES delays by using e-gates in France after EES pre-registration, with Nice highlighted as easing flow. Tour Costs for Non-Residents: Major attractions are increasingly using “dual” pricing, charging non-EEA visitors more than EU residents. Local Adventure Spotlight: A 14-year-old climbing standout, Conner Bailey, is set for the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games youth events, backed by a family story rooted in climbing. Trade & Tourism Links: India and Oman’s CEPA starts June 1, expanding duty-free access and services—another sign of growing travel-linked economic ties in the region.

EU Border Rules for Travelers: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully live across Schengen, and airlines are warning passengers to build in extra buffer time—Wizz Air’s boss says arrive up to three hours early because biometric checks can trigger long queues and missed flights. EES + ETIAS Prep: EES is also the stepping stone for ETIAS, expected in late 2026, an online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors. Spain Entry Paperwork: For Brits heading to Spain, border officials may ask for a return/onward ticket, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details—plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. France E-Gates Update: Some travellers can use e-gates in France if they first complete EES pre-registration, with Nice highlighted as a smoother option. UK Import Warning: DEFRA is reminding travellers they can’t bring meat or dairy from the EU into Great Britain, with undeclared items risking confiscation and fines up to £5,000. Trade & Tourism Context: India and Oman’s CEPA starts June 1, expanding duty-free access and services—another sign of shifting travel-linked business ties across Europe and the Gulf.

EU border chaos for travellers: Wizz Air’s boss is urging Brits to arrive up to three hours early for flights home after the Entry/Exit System (EES) adds extra biometric checks, with some passengers missing connections. EES rollout & what it means: EES is now fully operational across all 29 Schengen countries, replacing manual passport stamping and collecting fingerprints and facial biometrics; the knock-on plan is ETIAS later in 2026. Spain paperwork check: Brits heading to Spain are being reminded border staff may ask for a return/onward ticket, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation proof, plus a passport issued within the last 10 years. France e-gates relief: France is letting some travellers use e-gates if they first complete EES pre-registration, with Nice highlighting faster “All Passports” processing. UK import fines: DEFRA warns holidaymakers not to bring meat or dairy from the EU back to Great Britain, with undeclared items risking confiscation and fines up to £5,000. Local adventure spotlight: A 14-year-old climbing standout has joined the 2026 Mountain Games Athlete Team, competing in youth bouldering and speed events.

Spain Travel Docs: Spain is reminding British visitors to have four essentials ready at border control: a return/onward ticket, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds (amount varies by accommodation), and proof of where you’ll stay (hotel confirmation or address, plus an invitation/proof if staying with friends/family). EU Border Chaos (EES): The EU’s Entry/Exit System is driving long queues and missed flights in parts of Europe, with non-EU passport holders facing biometric checks; travellers are urged to plan extra time. France E-Gates: Good news for Brits in France: some airports are letting travellers use e-gates this summer if they complete EES pre-registration first, helping avoid manual passport stamping delays. ETIAS Timing: ETIAS is coming later—linked to EES being fully operational—so most travellers won’t need to apply before 2027. UK Import Rules: DEFRA warns holidaymakers not to bring meat or dairy from the EU back to Great Britain (including cheese, cured meats, and milk), or they could face confiscation and fines up to £5,000. Local Travel Impact: Denmark is also seeing longer passport-control queues under EES, with guidance for passengers with accessibility needs or tight connections.