Major UK airlines including TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways have issued new travel advice as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) causes significant delays and lengthy border control queues at European airports.
Airlines including TUI, easyJet and Jet2 have issued updates and travel guidance in light of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES), encouraging travellers to get to the airport as ‘early as possible’.
Brits jetting off overseas have been faced with significant travel disruptions following the introduction of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES). Reports of extensive border control queues at both European and UK airports, coupled with missed flights, have emerged as thousands of holidaymakers navigate the new digital border system for the first time.
The EES, which was fully rolled out on Friday, April 10, necessitates all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This is required upon their initial arrival at the airport border in the Schengen area, and once registered, the EES remains valid for three years.
The government has highlighted that the EES “may take each passenger extra time to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.” However, travellers have reported punishing delays of up to three hours and missed flights, prompting airlines to offer crucial advice to passengers as they grapple with the new digital border system.
TUI
In a travel alert regarding the EES, TUI warned 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” released earlier this month, easyJet warned: “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 recommended travellers organise their journey to and through the airport as they may “experience longer queues”.
Holidaymakers needing to check in their luggage should “go there as soon as it opens”, before heading through “security as early as possible”. They also warned there might be extra screening at passport control prior to the gate, advising passengers to proceed to the gate or departure lounge “as soon as it’s announced”. easyJet has advised travellers to ensure they have all the necessary documents for travel, although Brits don’t need to take any action before arriving at the border for the EES. They also cautioned that there could be “longer queues” at their arrival airport.
Jet2
Regarding potential delays from the EES and how it might affect 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.”
Meanwhile, in response to a traveller following delays 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.”
For travel back into the UK, Jet2 said: “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 information about 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.”
When responding to an enquiry on X about airport arrival times, a British Airways representative said: “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 additional details about the new EES system, check the government website.