Key Takeaways:
- System Failure: The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) failed at Ibiza airport, causing British tourists to queue twice for passport checks.
- Biometric Issues: Facial scanning kiosks malfunctioned, forcing manual passport verification and long delays.
- Summer Warning: Experts and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warn of potential chaos during peak summer holidays.
- Greece Exemption: Greece has exempted British visitors from biometric checks this summer to avoid delays.
- EU Rollout: EES is being phased in across 29 countries, but many airports are still unprepared.
British tourists faced severe delays at Ibiza airport yesterday as the European Union's new digital border system malfunctioned. Many travelers returning to London and Birmingham had to queue twice—once for failed facial scanning and again for manual passport checks—sparking fears of summer travel chaos.
One frustrated British tourist described the scene as "an absolute joke," adding: "It's a relatively quiet time of year, and it's a shambles. At peak times in the school summer holidays, it will be absolute chaos. Queuing twice is such a waste of time. We're lucky we didn't miss our plane."
What Is the EU's Entry/Exit System?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border control system introduced by the EU in October 2025. It requires most short-term visitors from outside the EU and European Economic Area to register biometric data—fingerprints and facial scans—each time they enter or leave the Schengen free travel zone.
Originally set for full operation by April 10, 2026, the system has been rolled out gradually across 29 countries. However, many nations are struggling with implementation, leading to widespread delays.
Ibiza Airport: A Case Study in Failure
At Ibiza airport, passengers now must complete biometric registration at a self-service kiosk upon arrival. On departure, they need to scan their passport and face again to prove they are leaving. In the past, travelers simply showed their passports to officers.
- Double Queues: When the facial scanning failed, passengers had to wait again for manual passport checks.
- Peak Season Concerns: With summer holidays approaching, delays could escalate dramatically.
Airports Council International reported that delays are "regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times," with some airports seeing even longer queues. Hubs in Germany, France, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal are particularly affected.
Greece Opts Out of Biometric Checks
In a surprising move, Greece's tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, confirmed that British visitors will not face biometric checks at the border this summer. This decision aims to prevent delays and protect the vital tourism industry.
This exemption highlights the EU's flexible approach to implementing EES, as member states can defer the system for up to five months (until the end of September).
Ryanair CEO Blames Brexit
Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, accused the EU of "punishing British holidaymakers over Brexit" by subjecting them to hours-long passport control queues. He claimed the bloc is "undoubtedly" forcing longer waits on Britons as payback for leaving the EU in 2020.
"There's a bit of Brexit in this too. Here, you voted for Brexit—****ing join the queue," O'Leary said.
He warned that smaller airports, such as those in Seville, Alicante, Tenerife, and Faro, are most vulnerable to delays due to understaffed immigration kiosks. He also noted that passengers already registered under EES are being lumped into the same queues as everyone else, causing further bottlenecks.
What Should British Travelers Do?
- Arrive Early: Experts recommend arriving at least 3 hours before departure for flights to EU countries.
- Check Airport Updates: Stay informed about local implementation of EES at your departure and arrival airports.
- Consider Deferred Destinations: Greece's exemption may offer smoother travel this summer.
As the EU continues its rollout, travelers should brace for potential delays and plan accordingly. The system's full operation is expected by April 2026, but until then, chaos may reign at Europe's airports.