New EU Entry System Sparks Summer Travel Chaos Fears After Paris Airport Ordeal
For over a year, I have been extensively reporting on the new Entry/Exit System being implemented at European borders. This system, which requires UK travellers to provide biometric data when entering or exiting the Schengen area, began its phased rollout in October 2025 and is expected to be fully operational across all airports by 10 April 2026. Despite my deep familiarity with the potential for delays, I recently experienced its impact firsthand during a trip from Paris, and it left me deeply concerned for summer travellers.
A Forgetful Moment Leads to a Stressful Queue
My partner and I were returning to London from Paris last month, and we had allocated what we thought was ample time at the airport. We enjoyed a leisurely drink and a meal, comfortably awaiting the gate announcement. When it finally came, we casually made our way to the gate, only to be met with an astonishing sight: a long queue of people waiting for access.
I had completely forgotten about the additional security checks mandated by the new system. Even though we believed we had plenty of time, it was now rapidly evaporating. Only one kiosk was open, with a queue of at least thirty people ahead of us, and more passengers were joining behind us every minute.
The Slow and Painful Biometric Process
The process at the kiosk was painfully slow. Passengers were allowed through in small groups to have their passports verified, followed by fingerprint and facial scans before being cleared to proceed. The queue barely moved, and the tension among travellers was palpable. From overheard conversations, it was clear everyone was as shocked and stressed as I was.
I heard multiple people muttering worries about missing their flights, with one person remarking, "I wouldn't put it past them to be honest." Fortunately, my partner and I had started relatively close to the front, so we managed to reach the gate just in time. I have no idea what happened to those behind us in the ever-growing line.
A Warning Sign for the Upcoming Summer Season
This incident occurred in late February, which is very much the off-peak travel period. The new system more than doubled the time it took to board our plane, and this was with minimal passenger volume. I can only imagine the chaos that will ensue as the rollout completes across Europe and the busy summer travel season begins.
Travelling during peak periods is already a stressful endeavour, and if my experience is any indication, it is about to become significantly worse. The implementation of biometric checks at borders is adding a substantial new layer of delay and uncertainty for all travellers, particularly those from the UK.
My advice to anyone planning a trip to Europe this summer is straightforward: even if you think you have enough time at the airport, add a substantial buffer. The new Entry/Exit System is no longer a theoretical concern—it is a real-world obstacle that could easily disrupt travel plans and turn holidays into nightmares of missed flights and long, anxious waits.
