UK holidaymakers are being warned to allow extra time at airports as the new Entry Exit System (EES) introduces longer queues, biometric checks, and travel delays across Europe.
Holidaying in Europe? Better make sure you’re setting your alarm clock early. Way earlier than you normally would. That’s because, slowly and quietly, a new system of border control has been introduced. The Entry Exit System, or EES, to be exact. British visitors need to provide their fingerprints, their faces to be scanned, and may need to answer some quick questions about their entry. Leave as well. Access all 29 countries in Europe. Spain. France. Italy… and yes, also Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein. Sounds good, right? On paper, at least. More secure borders. Less passport stamping. Convenient. Simple. Supposedly. Well, not exactly. Currently, it’s queues, and lots of them, at airports that are still learning how to implement this new system, with visitors feeling the slowdown creeping in.
Across Europe’s busy travel hubs, the pressure is starting to show. Especially during ski season. School holidays. Or those sudden weekend getaways everyone loves. Border control? Moving slower than expected. And the delays… they don’t just stop at the gates. Taxi drivers, private airport transfers… they’re noticing it too. Travellers booking earlier than usual. People don’t want the stress. Public transport running late. Scrambling for a last-minute ride. Some are showing up hours before their flight. Just to be safe. Just to avoid the panic.
Jane Bolton, travel expert at Erna Low, explained it simply:
"Border control will feel different to what people are used to, and preparation will make a big difference to how smooth your journey feels."
For UK travellers, planning ahead? Not really optional anymore. It’s becoming essential. Passengers are being told to allow extra hours at airports. Especially when heading to southern Europe, or flying on busy weekends. Keep passports, hotel confirmations, insurance papers, return tickets… all within easy reach. It helps. A little. But delays… they might still happen. Check airline alerts. Airport updates. Not every airport is moving at the same pace. Some are quicker. Some are still finding their feet.
In the long run, the system should improve travel security. Eventually, it might make things smoother. But right now? During this transition… journeys can feel slower. Sometimes frustrating. For the moment, UK travellers… leave extra travel time. Pre-book taxis or airport transfers. Mentally brace for longer waits before take-off. It’s just the way it is… for now.
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