UK travellers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to prepare for longer processing times at border crossings as the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause delays at some airports and transport hubs.
The EES requires most UK travellers entering or leaving the Schengen area to register fingerprints and have their photograph taken alongside passport checks. While the system is designed to strengthen border security, the added procedures and occasional technical problems have led to lengthy queues, with some passengers missing flights and facing unexpected travel costs.
Travel experts are advising holidaymakers to plan ahead to reduce the risk of disruption.
One of the key recommendations is to arrive at airports with enough time to complete the new border procedures. Wizz Air has advised passengers travelling from European airports to arrive at least three hours before departure. Similar guidance has been issued by Jet2 and Ryanair, although the recommended arrival time may vary depending on the airport.
Not all transport operators are giving the same advice. Eurostar says passengers should follow the arrival time printed on their tickets, as it already factors in the additional EES checks. At the Port of Dover, officials have asked ferry passengers not to arrive more than two hours before departure after technical issues delayed the rollout of the new system there, warning that arriving too early could create unnecessary congestion.
Passengers are also encouraged to sign up for airline and travel operator alerts. Most airlines provide updates through mobile apps, text messages or email notifications, allowing travellers to stay informed about waiting times, delays or operational changes before leaving for the airport.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority recommends checking directly with airlines before travelling to ensure passengers have sufficient time to complete security and border procedures. Travellers are also reminded to remain cautious of scam messages pretending to provide travel updates.
Insurance experts have also warned that missing a flight because of long EES queues may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Airlines are generally not required to offer free replacement flights if passengers fail to arrive at the gate on time due to border delays.
One traveller, Anne Robinson from Dunbarton, said she and her 13-year-old son missed their return flight from Rome after spending around 90 minutes in an immigration queue. They were forced to spend an additional £250 on replacement flights two days later, costs they were unable to recover through insurance.
According to insurance analysts, border delays are typically considered a routine part of travel, meaning policies often exclude compensation unless specific missed departure or travel delay provisions apply. Travellers are being advised to review their insurance documents carefully before departure to understand what protection, if any, is available under the new border arrangements.
