Travel Chaos Hits Brits as EU Entry/Exit System Rolls Out
British travellers have been hit with significant disruption, including lengthy delays and missed flights, following the full rollout of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) across European airports. Major airlines such as TUI, easyJet, and Jet2 have issued urgent guidance and travel warnings, advising passengers to arrive at airports as early as possible to navigate the new digital border controls.
What Is the EU Entry/Exit System?
The EES, which was fully implemented on Friday, 10 April 2026, requires all British citizens travelling to the Schengen area to create a digital record by submitting biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This registration occurs upon first arrival at the border in the Schengen zone and remains valid for three years. The UK government has acknowledged that the process may take extra time, leading to longer-than-usual waits at border controls.
Airlines Issue Critical Advice to Passengers
In response to the chaos, airlines have provided specific recommendations to help mitigate delays:
- TUI advised passengers to allow extra time at border control, keep essential medication in hand luggage, and head straight to passport control after dropping bags. They also suggested bringing extra water for comfort during potential hold-ups.
- easyJet cautioned that airports across Europe may experience longer queues due to biometric checks. They urged travellers to drop off luggage as soon as possible, proceed through security early, and ensure all necessary documentation is ready, though no pre-travel action is required for the EES.
- Jet2 highlighted that wait times could be longer at busy periods, with EES registration taking about 1-2 minutes per person. They recommended arriving early and heading directly to security and passport control after check-in to avoid missing flights.
Additionally, British Airways outlined general guidance, noting that passengers should allow extra time for biometric registration on first entry to the EU, with no cost involved. They specified arrival times of two hours for European short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul journeys.
Impact on Travellers and Future Considerations
Passengers have reported exhausting delays of up to three hours and numerous missed departures, prompting concerns over the efficiency of the new system. The disruption underscores the importance of planning ahead, as airlines emphasize that these border checks are outside their control. For further details on the EES, travellers are directed to consult the UK government website.
