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As summer approaches, UK travelers are being alerted to potential wait times of up to six hours at border control in European airports. With millions planning vacations, this new travel season could bring significant disruptions due to an anticipated increase in airport queues, affecting not only departures but also holiday returns.
The catalyst behind these long delays is the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which fully came into effect in April 2026. This system introduces biometric checks and digital record collection — including fingerprints and facial images — for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen zone, replacing the traditional manual passport stamping.
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In this article, we delve into what this means for British travelers, the reason for the expected long queues, the advice from official sources, and tips to help mitigate potential travel disruptions.
The EES requires necessary biometric data from non-EU guests, including British passport holders, as they enter the Schengen areas. This includes a passport scan, fingerprint collection, and taking a facial image.
Industry estimates suggest that these checks are currently taking around 90 seconds per traveler, a significant increase from the previous standard of 20-25 seconds. Given the high volume of passengers at peak times, the accumulated delay can lead to queues stretching for hours.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), without enhancements to staffing levels and equipment, waiting lines could grow to three, four, five, or even six hours. This is particularly true for smaller regional airports and popular destinations in Spain, Portugal, Italy and beyond.
Summer 2026 is forecasted to witness heavy outbound travel from the UK, with countries like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal identified as top destinations. This surge coincides with the implementation of the EES, creating a scenario where numerous passengers will be subject to these more time-consuming entry checks simultaneously.
This has resulted in what industry analysts describe as a perfect storm: massive passenger volumes, insufficient staffing at border controls, inconsistent levels of automation, and closely scheduled flight times. Early trials of the EES led to reports of excessive wait times, with travelers already experiencing prolonged queues during holiday travel periods.
In light of the anticipated delays, UK governmental guidance urges travelers to take a proactive approach. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises passengers to arrive at the airport two to three hours in advance to ensure ample time for check-in, security, and border controls.
For a smoother travel experience, holidaymakers heading to Europe are advised to:
Additionally, travelers should be aware that identity documentation will still be evaluated upon entering the UK, which might necessitate authorizations like an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for certain nationalities. It’s important to note that the EES policies primarily impact entry into the Schengen zone, not UK border checks.
In light of queue size concerns, airlines, and airport authorities are optimizing operations and advising passengers accordingly. Several airlines catering to a large British clientele are now recommending an arrival window of at least three hours for flights returning to the UK.
Airports are also making strides to alleviate the situation, including deploying additional staff, expanding manual check lanes, and maximizing the use of electronic gates when feasible. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary significantly across different airports.
Industry associations are lobbying EU governments to implement temporary measures or provide staffing assistance during peak travel weeks to avert significant delays, indicating that efforts to address these widespread concerns are being undertaken at the policy level.
Recent feedback confirms that certain hotspots frequented by British travelers are experiencing notable delays. Some of the worst-affected airports include:
• Alicante (Spain) – High demand with limited processing staff.
• Lanzarote (Canary Islands) – Reported staffing shortages amid peak tourist season.
• Lisbon (Portugal) – Being a leading international hub, complex flows create substantial queues.
• Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – Instances of departing flights while passengers waited at border checks.
These destinations are predicted to face substantial pressures throughout the busy arrival and departure periods, with similar challenges expected at mid-sized airports in Italy and Greece.
To navigate this summer smoothly and minimize stress:
While the prospect of six-hour airport queues may seem daunting, experts stress that such extreme wait times are considered worst-case scenarios and are not representative of the average experience. Many travelers will still find the border control process much quicker, particularly during non-peak times.
Nevertheless, the summer of 2026 represents the first significant travel season impacted by the EES. The combination of a robust travel demand and revised border control procedures signifies that British travelers should factor in possible delays as they plan their getaways this season.
In summary: plan early, arrive early, and be ready for longer border experiences, especially at peak travel points in the Mediterranean region.
Source: The post British Travellers Warned of Six-Hour Delays at European Airports During Peak Summer Holidays as New EU Entry/Exit System Biometric Checks Slow Border Processing first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
