EU entry-exit checks cause six-hour queues

What travelers may face with EES this summer

British travelers are being warned to plan for unusually long waits at European airports because the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) is rolling out.

The core issue is that EES is designed to register entry and exit records electronically. As airports and border staff adjust to the new checks, queues can build quickly—especially during peak travel weeks. Reports cited an expectation of delays of up to six hours for some travelers.

Practical travel planning takeaways

• Arrive earlier than usual to protect your connection or flight departure window.
• Build in buffer time for both check-in and any 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 even if airlines and ticketing work normally. The new system changes the pace of border processing, and that can turn a routine trip through the airport into a high-stress situation—particularly at busy hubs.

For passengers, the biggest controllable factor is time: getting to the airport with a larger margin can be the difference between a smooth day and a missed flight. Travelers should also monitor airline and airport announcements when possible, because temporary bottlenecks can shift by terminal, airport, and time of day.