EU’s new digital border system could push holidaymakers into long airport queues

Fri Jul 10 2026 17:45:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

EU travellers warn of up to six‑hour waits as the new Entry/Exit System requires biometric checks at every Schengen border crossing.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces paper passport stamps with biometric capture for non‑EU citizens, and is now fully operational. Initial roll‑out has sparked warnings that holiday flights could face delays of several hours as travelers register fingerprints and photos at automated kiosks. Airlines advise passengers to arrive up to three hours early, while some carriers may not hold flights for those held up. The system is being tested amid the summer mini‑break, with added staff in Portugal and temporary suspensions in France to curb excessive line‑times. In parallel, the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will add a pre‑travel approval layer for visa‑exempt visitors replacing visa checks on the ground.

What’s new with the Entry/Exit System?

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces the old practice of stamping passports. After landing, travellers from outside the EU, including UK citizens, must provide a fingerprint and a photo alongside a digital passport scan at an automated kiosk. The data is stored and checked when the passenger leaves the Schengen area.

Impact on holiday flights and airports

Since the system went live in October last year, airports flagged the first summer peak period and warned that queues could stretch several hours. Airline leaders have asked passengers to board three hours before departure, especially on return routes to the UK. Some carriers, such as Ryanair, have indicated they will not reschedule passengers who are stopped at the border, while others may delay flight time to accommodate delayed travelers.

Conflict with ferries and trains

French border police also check passports before travellers leave the UK on ferries and through the Channel Tunnel. While automated kiosks are installed at Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras, staff still perform some checks. In May, a surge of cars waiting at Dover halted the process and prompted French authorities to suspend the system temporarily.

What’s next for European travel?

The next wave of digital travel checks will be the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This visa‑waiver scheme, expected to launch after 2026, will allow visitors who do not need a visa—such as UK passport holders—to apply online for travel authorisation. The fee will be €20 (about £17.47) and will be valid for three years. Passengers aged under 18 or over 70 will have to register but will not pay.

Questions and feedback

Travelers are encouraged to share their experiences of the EES and how it has affected their holiday plans. Use the contact form below to contribute your testimony.