Key Takeaways:
- British tourists told to arrive 3 hours before EU flights home due to EES delays.
- Biometric checks include facial scans and fingerprints for short-term visitors.
- Some countries like Greece and Portugal are temporarily suspending rules to ease queues.
- Summer travel expected to worsen delays; airlines urge preparation.
New EU Border Checks Spark Travel Chaos
British holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer are being warned to prepare for lengthy airport queues. The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES)—requiring facial scans and fingerprints—has caused significant disruptions at airports across the continent.
Wizz Air boss Yvonne Moynihan has advised travelers to arrive at European airports three hours before their flight home, pack water, and charge their phones. She also recommends allowing several hours for connecting flights.
"When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water," Moynihan told the BBC.
How the EES System Works
The EES was first introduced in October last year but was meant to become fully operational at all European border points from April 10. It requires most short-term visitors from outside the EU and European Economic Area to register biometric data each time they enter or leave the Schengen free travel zone.
This applies to British tourists post-Brexit, who are now classified as third-country nationals. The system aims to enhance security but has led to massive queues as airports struggle with implementation.
Airports Hit Hardest
According to Airports Council International, waiting times at border crossing points have "continued deteriorated" where EES has been introduced. Delays are "regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times," with some airports reporting queues of up to three-and-a-half hours.
- Germany, France, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal are particularly impacted.
- Holiday hotspots like Ibiza and Mallorca have seen long lines.
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary called the system a "shambles," accusing the EU of punishing Brits over Brexit.
Countries Push Back
Some nations are taking emergency measures to keep travelers moving:
- Greece has dumped EES rules until September for UK holidaymakers.
- Portugal is waving passengers through if queues get too long.
- Italy is expected to follow Greece in allowing passport stamps.
- French officials in Dover paused EES checks during the recent bank holiday weekend.
The European Commission insists the system works well at "almost all border crossing points" and says it is up to individual countries to ensure efficiency. To tackle issues, some states are increasing staff—Portugal will deploy 360 more border officers from July.
Summer Travel: What to Expect
Despite temporary suspensions, airline bosses fear matters will worsen over the summer. Moynihan noted that during a recent trip to Mallorca, there were no queues due to ample self-service kiosks—but this may not be the norm everywhere.
"We are advising British travellers to allow an extra hour on top of the already-advised arrival time of two hours early," she said.
Advice for British Travelers
To avoid missing flights, follow these tips:
- Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, especially for flights home.
- Use the EES app to register biometric data in advance, as recommended by the Association of British Travel Agents.
- Bring a portable charger and water, as queues can be long.
- Check airport status online before traveling, as some hubs may have temporary EES suspensions.
The Bottom Line
The new EU border checks are a reality British travelers must navigate this summer. While some countries are easing rules during peak periods, the system is expected to cause continued frustration. Plan ahead, allow extra time, and stay updated on local border policies to avoid the worst of the queues.