British travelers are being warned to brace for unusually long waits at European airports as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) begins rolling out. The system, designed to electronically register entry and exit records, is creating bottlenecks as border staff adjust to new checks.
Reports indicate queues could stretch up to six hours during peak travel weeks, especially at busy hubs. While airlines and ticketing may function normally, the pace of border processing has shifted—turning a routine trip into a potential ordeal.
Practical travel planning takeaways
- Arrive earlier than usual to safeguard your connection or flight departure window.
- Build in buffer time for both check-in and border processing before departure.
- Watch for day-of schedule changes: long lines can cascade into missed gates or late boarding.
Why it matters
If you’re traveling this summer across the EU—including Schengen-area entries—your itinerary may be affected. The new system changes border processing speed, and that can turn a routine trip into a high-stress situation, particularly at crowded airports.
For passengers, the biggest controllable factor is time. Getting to the airport with a larger margin can mean the difference between a smooth day and a missed flight. Travelers should also monitor airline and airport announcements closely, because temporary bottlenecks can shift by terminal, airport, and time of day.