Holidaymakers heading to Europe this Easter should prepare for potential airport delays of up to four hours due to the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The system requires biometric checks, including photographs and fingerprints, for all travelers from the UK and other non-EU countries at EU airports and borders starting April 10.
Officials urge passengers to arrive earlier on both ends of their journeys, anticipating long queues at peak airports during the busy UK half-term period.
Expert Advice on Handling Delays
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, the travel association, advises: “Customers should prepare for delays with extra water and snacks due to the new checks.”
Travelers already face queues of up to two hours at passport control in countries where EES trials began late last year. Airline groups predict these could double to four hours amid Easter and summer rushes. Additional risks include IT failures, strikes, and staffing shortages.
What is the EES?
The EES replaces physical passport stamps with a digital system that records entry and exit for non-EU nationals on short stays—up to 90 days in any 180-day period—in the Schengen area. Authorities implement it to enhance border security and identify overstayers.
How the System Operates
First-time visitors from non-EU countries scan their passports and provide biometrics—fingerprints and facial images—at self-service kiosks. This data stores for future trips, where only verification occurs, potentially speeding up processing.
Border agents also verify accommodation details, sufficient funds, travel insurance, and return tickets. Children under 12 require facial scans but no fingerprints.
Locations for EES Checks
Checks typically happen at destination airports or ports. Exceptions apply at juxtaposed UK-France borders: Port of Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras International, where travelers complete them before departure.
EES and ETIAS Differences
EES stands apart from the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set for late 2026. ETIAS requires pre-travel online applications for short stays in 30 European countries, valid for three years or passport expiry—it grants no guaranteed entry.
Launch Timeline
EES rolls out fully on April 10, following gradual implementation since late 2025. Officials delayed the initial October launch over concerns about disruptions to travel and logistics.
Affected Countries
The system covers 25 EU nations plus Schengen associates:
- 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
- Switzerland
Non-Schengen EU countries like Ireland and Cyprus continue manual stamping.
Exemptions
EU citizens, residents with EU long-stay visas, and nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City avoid EES checks.
Global Biometric Precedents
Nations including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Saudi Arabia already use similar biometric border controls.
