What the EU’s new entry-exit system means for travellers
The European Union is rolling out a digital border control system known as the entry-exit system (EES), which requires third-country nationals, including UK passport holders, to provide biometric data—fingerprints and facial scans—on entry and exit across Schengen borders. While the system is being phased in over the next six months, travel experts warn that it could slow the process at some of Europe’s busiest airports, especially for those heading to popular holiday destinations in southern Europe.
Key points for British travellers
Under the EES, each entry and exit is recorded on a central database. Initially, not all travellers will be biometrically checked, and the rollout is taking place at different speeds across member states. Some countries, like the Czech Republic, Estonia and Luxembourg, have indicated they will process arrivals and departures from day one. Others, including Spain, plan a more gradual approach—Spain has said its initial biometrics might apply to a single arriving flight at Madrid on the first Sunday of rollout.
What has worried industry figures is the potential bottleneck at busy hubs. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, told the BBC’s Today programme that travellers should allow extra time. “The concern will be, when you have flights arriving at one of these airports, at the same time, it’s already a bottleneck,” she said. Her advice: plan for three to four hours from touchdown where possible, to accommodate the biometrics process and any queueing that may occur.
Where and when the delays could hit hardest
Europe’s popular entry points are spread across multiple airports, but the impact is likely to be most noticeable at southern European hubs that receive large numbers of UK visitors. Palma de Mallorca’s airport provides a telling snapshot: the hour from 11:50pm on a recent Friday saw nine UK arrivals; more than 1,500 travellers queued to complete biometric registrations, with around 80 kiosks reportedly available for processing. This illustrates how peak arrival times could experience build‑ups as the EES goes live nationwide in the Schengen area.
Planning tips for travellers
To minimize stress, consider these practical steps when planning trips affected by the EES rollout:
- Build in extra time at the point of entry and exit. If you’re travelling for a tight schedule—concerts, meetings, weddings, cruises—acknowledge that queues may form even if you’ve travelled before.
- Check your airline and airport guidance ahead of travel. Some airports may begin biometrics with a limited number of flights, while others will roll out more broadly over weeks.
- Arrive early on peak days and during busy periods. For popular routes, arriving at the terminal two to three hours before departure may help you navigate new checks without added stress.
- Have digital documents ready. Ensure your passport data is up to date and any biometric enrollment steps are completed before travel where possible.
The EES is designed to streamline border crossings in the long run, but the transition phase could introduce short-term delays. For British travellers, this means adjusting expectations and factoring extra time into itineraries—especially at airports serving large crowds from the UK.
What happens next
Member states have up to six months to implement the system comprehensively. By the end of the transition period, officials aim to record all entries and exits across Schengen borders within a single central database, simplifying border management and enhancing security. For travellers, the change is significant but manageable with planning and patience. Staying informed through official travel advisories and your airline’s guidance will help smooth the process as the new system becomes an everyday reality.
