The EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) has introduced biometric border checks for non-EU citizens visiting EU countries, with the exception of Ireland and Cyprus. These checks, which include fingerprints and photos, occur at border control upon arrival and departure. While individual checks may take around a minute, the cumulative effect during peak summer travel can lead to significant queues.
A travel expert, who has experienced the EES rollout multiple times, notes the unpredictability of encountering long queues. A YouGov study from last month reported that 16% of travellers experienced delays to the start of their holiday due to EES. Some airports have reportedly suspended EES checks when queues become excessively long.
To prepare for potential delays, the expert suggests several strategies. These include flying off-peak when airports are generally quieter and less prone to delays, and familiarising oneself with airport layouts via Google Maps to locate passport control. Heading to the gate as soon as it is announced, rather than waiting for further instructions, is also recommended to maximise time for clearing passport control.
For onward travel, the expert advises purchasing flexible public transport tickets to allow for changes if held up at the airport, as some EES queues have reportedly lasted two to three hours. Similarly, booking non-refundable excursions for day two onwards, and allowing buffer time for onward flights not part of the same booking, can help avoid missed activities or stress.
Travellers with car hire bookings are advised to keep in touch with the company, providing flight numbers and updating them on any delays to avoid fines or car release. Similarly, noting down contact details for accommodation hosts can facilitate late check-in notifications. For airport parking, checking terms and conditions for overstay fees is crucial, as these vary significantly between providers.