Brits face four-hour border queues below new passport guidelines – easy methods to keep away from
Passport holders travelling to Europe need to register biometric details under new EES system with warnings of lengthy airport queues
British passport users have been told to act (stock image)(Image: JUSTIN TALLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers are being warned to stay informed about the latest passport updates to avoid airport delays, as the rules for travelling abroad continue to change. A recent announcement has highlighted the importance of being up-to-date before boarding a flight, as it could significantly impact the time spent waiting in security queues.
Passport holders are advised to take action to minimize their wait times in security queues. Whether you’re planning a trip soon or later in the summer, it’s essential to be aware of crucial details when traveling to specific countries, and familiarizing yourself with the new regulations is vital to avoid any disruptions.
This is not the first travel advisory to be issued recently, as another new rule was announced just last week. Karen Schaler, a travel expert, recently posted a candid video explaining what travelers need to know.
She stated: “If you’re a traveller, your passport isn’t going to be enough to get you into Europe anymore or the UK.
“You’re going to need an EES (Entry/Exit System) to get into 29 European countries. I’m going to start with the EES, because this is happening coming up this spring.”, reports the Mirror.
“That’s the headline that everyone will have to do this. They soft-rolled it out last year.”
Karen added: “You might have heard of it, you might have got it done already, which would be great, but there’s a big warning about what’s going on with this. It happens at the airport.
“It’s nothing that you have to do ahead of time, although there is something you can do ahead of time. I’ll tell you about that at the end, but you can show up at the airport and they’re going to take a picture of your face, and they’re going to take your fingerprints.
“This is for biometrics. This is now required by 29 countries to get into in Europe, meaning your passport isn’t going to be stamped anymore. This is going to be the new way to go.
“It’s going to last about three years. But, again the warning, we’ve heard of lines two to four hours long, so be sure you plan accordingly.
“And, the insider tip, there is an app that you can use to pre-register to help save that big, long line at the airport. Let me know if you want more on that, because there are some ups and downs of that.”
What you need to know:
The Government website provides guidance about what travellers need to understand regarding the scheme. It explains: “The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025.
“This is a new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area. EES checks are being introduced in a phased way for non-EU and UK travellers, with full operation expected from April 2026.”
The Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen zone, so EES doesn’t apply when visiting these locations. The guidance explains: “If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive.
“You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU, but during the phased implementation border points will also stamp passports.
“EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”
What you might not know about is the Travel to Europe mobile app, specifically designed for non-EU visitors subject to EES registration. This app allows travellers to pre-register their passport information and facial photograph before arriving at a border crossing where EES operates.
Travellers also have the option to complete the entry conditions questionnaire in advance. It is understood that non-EU nationals can use the app to pre-register their details up to 72 hours before entering or departing a European country.
Although it does not replace border checks, it can help make border crossings smoother, faster, and more efficient. However, people are advised to check the official EU EES website to confirm which countries are currently accepting the app for entry.
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