A Liberal Democrat MP has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to press European leaders to suspend the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) during the school summer holidays. Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said British passengers should not be "punished" by the system.
The EES was launched in April this year, replacing manual passport stamps with an automated digital system. Third-country nationals, including Britons, must register fingerprints and photographs at the EU border, creating a digital record valid for three years. After registration, travellers only need to provide one set of biometric data on each subsequent entry and exit, usually photographs.
The rollout across the EU has produced mixed experiences. Some passengers found it simple, while others faced long waits at borders, with some missing flights. Aviation leaders have called on the EU to suspend the system during peak travel periods.
MP's call to suspend EES
Ms Jarvis said: "Passengers travelling to Europe shouldn't be punished by a broken, malfunctioning border system that is entirely out of their hands." She added: "I have twice asked the government to explain how they are improving the situation, and both times I have been told only that they are working to 'encourage' the European Commission and member states to minimise delays." The government needs to take a far firmer stance with European counterparts, and press them, collectively, to suspend EES until at least September.
Some destinations, such as Greece, have suspended the checks altogether in a bid to lure back British travellers, and several airlines have asked passengers to arrive three hours before flights to allow for extra processing time at the airport.
Concerns over travel deterrent
Last week, Europe's airport trade body warned that "unacceptable" queues triggered by the system were deterring travellers, as the pace of traveller numbers "markedly" slowed down in the second quarter of this year. ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec said: "Looking ahead, fixing the Schengen Entry-Exit System must be Europe's immediate priority. Long, unpredictable and unacceptable waiting times at border control have started acting as a deterrent to travel – and undermine the standing and reputation of Europe as an efficient and welcoming destination."
ACI Europe figures showed passenger numbers grew 4.3% in the first three months of 2026, followed by just 1.3% in the second. The EES records biometric data like fingerprints and facial images, making it easier to spot overstayers in the Schengen Area, which is capped at 90 days within 180 days for people without a visa.
