EU’s New Border Tech Alarms Holiday Travelers to Arrive Hours Early

Sun Jul 12 2026 09:11:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

UK holidaymakers warned that the EU’s new digital entry/exit system could force long airport waits, urging flights be boarded early.

Last‑minute biometric checks under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) have caused huge queues at major airports this summer, especially for UK nationals headed for France, Spain and Italy. The automated kiosks, meant to replace paper passport stamps, require fingerprints and photographs, a process that can stall traffic by several hours. While some airports have improved lines, others, such as Dover and certain Eurostar terminals, reported delays severe enough to suspend processes or add extra staff. With the European Commission allowing temporary suspensions until September and preparations for the larger ETIAS travel authorisation system on the horizon, travellers are advised to arrive at least three hours before flights back to the UK.

EU’s New Border Tech Alarms Holiday Travelers to Arrive Hours Early

The latest rollout of the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System (EES) has sparked fresh concerns among holidaymakers: long queues at major airports could push travel times into several hours, especially for UK citizens heading to popular European destinations.

What the EES Actually Does

The system replaces manual passport stamps by scanning a traveller’s passport, collecting a digital photograph, and capturing fingerprints. The data is cross‑checked when the traveller exits the Schengen Area, covering 29 EU states plus Ireland. Non‑EU nationals – which include UK citizens post‑Brexit – must complete these steps at automated kiosks after landing.

Bear in mind that children under 12 and those whose passports cannot be captured may still face manual checks.

The process is now fully online, but its efficiency varies by airport.

Airport Impact and Increasing Wait Times

Since its rollout in October, the EES has exposed gaps in technology and staffing. In busy periods, some airports have seen queues reach three to six hours. Airlines such as Wizz Air advise passengers to arrive up to three hours before return flights, and some, like Ryanair, have flatly refused to wait for delayed passengers.

Summer Holidays: A Hard Test

With the peak travel season approaching, the new system’s stress test is imminent. Greece has opted out of biometric checks for British visitors during the holiday period, and the European Commission allows temporary suspensions where queues exceed acceptable limits. In response, Portugal announced 300 extra border officers for July, and other airports are pushing for improvements.

Other Modes of Travel: Ferries and Trains

At the Eurotunnel, Dover ferry, and Eurostar terminals, automated kiosks are already in place but are not fully operational. French border police are carrying out manual pre‑departure checks, and carriers are sealing coaches once passengers have cleared the EES process.

Looking Ahead: The ETIAS Visa Waiver System

The EU will soon roll out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a visa‑waiver that will complement the EES. UK nationals who can enter the EU without a visa will need to apply online for a free, three‑year authorization before travel. The cost is €20 (about £17.47), with no fee for children under 18 and seniors over 70.

Key Take‑away for Holidaymakers

Because the EES may delay the return journey, travellers should check airline advice, allow extra time at airports, and be ready to use the new automated kiosks if available. The system will improve over the summer, but caution is advised until the technology is fully stable.

Picture: Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras with the new EES kiosks:
Eurostar terminal at St Pancras with new EES kiosks