Bristol Airport Warns Millions About New Liquid Rules, Biometric EES Checks, e-Gates And Passport Laws That Could Make Or Break Your Holiday

Bristol Airport has warned passengers to prepare for new liquid limits, European biometric checks, expanded eGate access and strict passport rules this summer.

In one of the most notable changes, passengers departing from Bristol Airport can now carry liquids, gels, pastes, lotions and aerosols in containers holding up to two litres each. These items can stay inside cabin baggage during screening and no longer need to be placed in a separate clear plastic bag, and laptops, tablets and phones can also remain packed away. Metal drinks bottles must still be emptied before security, though free refill points are available in the departure lounge. Crucially, the same rules will not necessarily apply on the return leg, as many airports still cap liquids at 100ml, so travellers are advised to check requirements at their homeward airport before packing.

Bristol Airport has also reminded passengers that power banks and e-cigarettes must never go in checked luggage, as their batteries carry a fire risk. Both items need to stay in the cabin, though airlines may set their own limits on battery capacity and use in flight, making it worth checking with the carrier beforehand. Standard security preparation still applies too, with pockets emptied, coats and belts placed in trays, and shoes removed if requested.

British holidaymakers heading to much of Europe also need to factor in the EU's Entry/Exit System, or EES, which became fully operational across 29 Schengen countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Germany, on 10 April 2026. The system has replaced manual passport stamping with a digital record for short-stay visitors. On first registration, typically at border control after landing, travellers will have their passport scanned and a photo taken, with adults and children aged 12 and over also giving fingerprints. Registration is free and lasts three years or until the passport expires. Longer queues are possible while the system beds in, so passengers with tight connections or transfers should build in extra time.​​​​​​​

Passport checks remain a common trip-up. For most Schengen destinations, a UK passport must have been issued less than ten years before arrival and have at least three months' validity remaining beyond the planned departure date. Some older passports carrying extra months from a previous renewal scheme can fail this issue-date rule despite appearing to have time left, so checking passport dates properly, rather than relying on a general six-month assumption, is essential.

Bristol Airport is encouraging passengers to check in online, arrive with plenty of time, and confirm entry requirements for their destination well before travelling. ​​​​​​​

Anyone unsure how these changes affect their booking is encouraged to speak to Crystal Travel's travel agents, who can help ensure documentation and travel plans are in order ahead of departure.​​​​​​​