UK Travellers Brace for Fresh EU Border Chaos
British holidaymakers heading to Europe face new travel headaches as the EU ramps up its Entry/Exit System (EES). Launched last October, the high-tech border check demands fingerprints and facial scans. Now, half of all EU checkpoints will use it by January 10 – meaning inevitable delays for UK tourists.
Double Border Checks Until April 2026
Until April 9, travellers must endure both the old-fashioned passport stamps and the new biometric scans. The EU has ordered half of all border crossing points to adopt the EES by January 10, doubling the hold-ups at passport control.
ABTA warns queues will get longer. UK arrivals must scan four fingerprints and a face image on their first trip, then re-scan at every border crossing after. Registration lasts three years or until your passport expires.
Where to Expect EES Delays
- EES affects all Schengen countries including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
- No EES checks for travel to Ireland or Cyprus.
- At busy UK exit points like Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone, and Eurostar St Pancras, checks happen before you even leave the UK.
- The UK government has poured £10.5 million into upgrading these ports to handle the new system.
Official Response: Ministers Promise Smooth Rollout
“We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers,” said Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security. “We’ve worked closely with European partners to make the rollout smooth.”
Minister for Aviation Keir Mather added: “The £10.5m funding helps ports prepare, aiming to minimise disruption at busy crossings and keep journeys smooth.”
Top Tips for UK Travellers
- No advance registration needed — EES enrolment happens free at the border.
- Expect border checks to add 1–2 minutes per person, but queues could be much longer during peak travel.
- Pre-departure checks at UK juxtaposed ports mean busy times could see even longer waits.
Brits heading for Europe this winter and beyond should steel themselves for lengthy border waits through to early 2026. Patience is your best travel companion for a smoother trip.
