EU Border System Gets You Waiting: What’s the Deal?

Wed Jun 24 2026 18:06:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

EU’s new digital border checks are causing airport queues this summer, especially for UK travellers. Here’s what you need to know.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps by collecting fingerprints and photos at border checkpoints. Launched last fall, it’s already creating long queues at busy airports and even at ferries and trains. Some airports are seeing several‑hour waits, with airlines warning passengers to arrive early and governments adding extra staff to handle the surge. While temporary suspensions are in place for certain routes, the system will be fully active through September, making this holiday season a real test for travellers.

EU Border System Gets You Waiting: What’s the Deal?

Why are queues building this summer? The new Entry/Exit System, or EES, is a digital border check that replaces old passport stamps. It asks every non‑EU citizen—including UK passport holders—to scan a passport, give a fingerprint and a photo at the checkpoint. Because the system is still being fine‑tuned, many airports and border stations report delays.

In the first full summer cycle, airlines warned passengers of possible waits of up to six hours. Some travellers even missed flights because they couldn’t reach the gate in time. The problem is especially acute at the busiest European airports and at ferry ports such as Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

What’s happening right now? The European Commission has said the EES can be suspended in “exceptional circumstances that lead to excessive waiting times” until September. Portugal is adding extra border staff, while Greece has paused biometric checks for UK visitors during the peak period.

Some travellers can help speed things up by using a mobile app that lets them submit passport data before they reach the border. Sweden and Portugal are currently testing this approach, but it is not yet widely available.

When will the next step arrive? After the EES, the EU will launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a visa‑waiver process that lets most non‑EU nationalities apply online for travel authorisation. ETIAS is due to start at the end of 2026, costing €20 (about £17) and valid for three years.

If you’re planning a holiday next summer, check the latest travel advice, arrive early at the airport, and keep an eye on the evolving border rules. Your travel apps and airline notifications will be your best friends.

Read more about flight delays and border tech on SnapScope.