Brits have been hit with lengthy delays and missed flights as the new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully rolled out across European airports
Brits have faced travel chaos amid the new border control system(Image: Getty Images)
Major airlines including TUI, easyJet and Jet2, have issued guidance and travel warnings following the launch of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES), advising passengers to get to the airport as early as possible.
British travellers heading overseas have been hit with significant disruption since the introduction of the EES. There have been reports of lengthy queues at both European and UK border controls, with thousands of holidaymakers passing through the new digital border system for the first time, resulting in numerous missed flights.
The EES, which was fully rolled out on Friday, 10 April, requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and submit their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph. Registration is required upon their first arrival at the border in the Schengen area, and once completed, it remains valid for three years.
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The government acknowledged that the EES “may take each passenger extra time to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.” Nevertheless, passengers have reported exhausting delays of up to three hours and missed departures, prompting airlines to issue urgent advice as travellers navigate the new digital border system, reports the Mirror.
TUI
In a travel alert regarding the EES, TUI advised passengers: “At some airports, you might still find longer queues, particularly at busy travel periods. We know this isn’t the travel experience you want before, or after your holiday – and it’s certainly not the one we want for you – so please know we’re doing all we can to support”.
“To help your journey run as smoothly as possible, please allow a little extra time when passing through border control. Keep any essential medication in your hand luggage in case of delays, and when departing the EU, head straight to passport control after dropping your bags to avoid hold‐ups. Bringing some extra water for comfort is also a good idea.”
easyJet
In an “important update” issued earlier this month, easyJet cautioned: “Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry /Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed.
“This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken, including your face and fingerprints scanned.” The airline urged passengers to factor in additional time when travelling to and through the airport, as they may “experience longer queues”.
Those needing to drop off luggage were told to “go there as soon as it opens”, before proceeding through “security as early as possible”. easyJet further warned that supplementary checks may take place at passport control prior to the gate, and that travellers should head to the gate or boarding area “as soon as it’s announced”.
easyJet also urged passengers to ensure they have all the necessary documentation for their journey, though Brits are not required to take any action prior to reaching the border for the EES. The airline also cautioned that “longer queues” may be expected at arrival airports.
Jet2
Addressing anticipated disruption from the EES and its potential impact on holidaymakers, Jet2 stated: “There may be longer wait times at Border Control at some EU Airports, especially at busy times. Once you start your EES registration, it should take around 1-2 minutes per person to complete.
“There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK. Unfortunately, this is outside of our control. But remember, there’s nothing you can prep before you travel.”
In the meantime, responding to a passenger following hold-ups at Faro Airport, Jet2 advised on X: “We kindly recommend customers arrive to the airport as early as possible, to allow plenty of time to make it through.”
Regarding the return journey to the UK, Jet2 added: “You’ll also need to pass through EES when leaving the EU in the same way you do on arrival. Depending on how busy the airport is, this may result in longer wait times at passport control before boarding your flight to the UK. After checking in for your flight, please head straight to security and passport control in order to arrive at your gate in plenty of time.”
British Airways
Regarding general guidance on the new digital system, British Airways outlined on their website: “You should allow extra time to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, the first time you enter the EU. There is no cost for EES registration, and your digital record will last three years before you need to register again.”
In reply to a query posted on X regarding airport arrival times, a British Airways representative stated: “Hi there. We ask customers travelling on our European short-haul flights to be there two hours prior to departure. It would be three hours if you’re travelling on a long-haul flight and one if you’re travelling on a domestic flight within the UK.”
For further details on the new EES system, visit the government website.
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