Major airlines including TUI, easyJet, and Jet2 have released critical updates and guidance for passengers following the full implementation of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), strongly encouraging travelers to arrive at airports as early as possible to navigate significant disruptions and delays.
Travel Chaos Emerges from New EU Border Rules
British holidaymakers traveling overseas have encountered substantial disruption since the complete rollout of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) on Friday, 10 April 2026. Reports indicate lengthy border control queues at both European and UK airports, alongside numerous missed flights, as thousands of passengers experience the new digital border system for the first time.
The EES mandates that all British citizens traveling to the Schengen zone must create a digital record by registering biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. This registration occurs upon initial arrival at an airport border within the Schengen zone and remains valid for three years after the first entry.
The UK government has acknowledged that the EES process may require extra time for each passenger, advising preparedness for longer-than-usual waits at the border. However, passengers have reported exhausting delays of up to three hours and missed departures, prompting airlines to issue urgent guidance as travelers contend with the new system.
Airlines Issue Specific Recommendations
TUI's Advisory for Smoother Travel
In a travel advisory regarding the EES, TUI informed passengers that some airports might experience longer queues, particularly during busy travel periods. The airline emphasized its efforts to support travelers and recommended allowing extra time when passing through border control. TUI also suggested keeping essential medication in hand luggage, heading straight to passport control after dropping bags when departing the EU, and bringing extra water for comfort.
easyJet's Important Update on Biometrics
EasyJet issued an important update earlier this month, cautioning that airports across Europe may see longer queues at passport control as the new EES border checks are completed. The airline noted that passengers might need to have their biometrics taken, including face and fingerprint scans. EasyJet recommended planning journeys to and through the terminal carefully, advising those checking luggage to do so as soon as it opens and proceed through security as early as possible. The carrier also warned of potential additional checks at passport control before the gate, urging passengers to proceed to the gate or boarding area as soon as it is announced.
Jet2's Response to Customer Concerns
Jet2 addressed anticipated delays from the EES, stating that longer wait times may occur at Border Control in some EU airports, especially during busy periods. The airline estimated that EES registration should take about 1-2 minutes per person once started. Jet2 advised customers to arrive at the airport as early as possible to allow ample time for processing and recommended heading straight to security and passport control after check-in for return flights to the UK.
British Airways' General Guidance
British Airways provided general information on its website, explaining that passengers should allow extra time to register biometric details the first time they enter the EU, with no cost for EES registration and a validity period of three years. In response to queries on social media, a British Airways representative stated that customers on European short-haul flights should arrive two hours prior to departure, three hours for long-haul flights, and one hour for domestic UK flights.
Navigating the New Digital Border Landscape
Passengers are urged to ensure they carry all necessary documentation for travel, though Brits do not need to make any preparations prior to reaching the border for the EES. Airlines have highlighted that longer queues may be expected both upon arrival and departure, emphasizing that these delays are outside their control but require proactive planning from travelers.
For further details on the new EES system, passengers are directed to visit the UK government website. As the travel industry adapts to these changes, early arrival and preparedness remain key to mitigating disruptions and ensuring a smoother journey amidst the evolving border control environment.
