UK Travellers Could Face Six-Hour Delays at European Airports
Holidaymakers from the United Kingdom jetting off to popular European destinations such as Spain, France, and Italy are being cautioned about significant delays at airports and passport control areas. These hold-ups are primarily attributed to the ongoing implementation of a new biometric border system across the European Union.
European Entry/Exit System Rollout Causes Disruption
The European Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to replace the traditional passport stamp for non-EU visitors, including those from the UK, has been gradually introduced since October 2025. Approximately one-third of all EU countries are now utilising this system. However, the transition has not been smooth, with nations struggling to adapt to the new requirements.
Issues such as staffing shortages, kiosk congestion, and problematic terminal layouts at major airports are believed to be causing delays of up to six hours for some travellers. In response to these challenges, the European Commission has discreetly postponed the full implementation date from April 2026 to September 2026.
Specific Airport Reports and Warnings
Three-hour delays have already been reported at Geneva Airport, a key hub for British skiers during the winter season. A spokesperson acknowledged that implementing the EES had posed a major challenge for Swiss customs and Geneva Airport.
Delays are also emerging in the Canary Islands, another favourite destination among British tourists. Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International Europe, stated that border control processing times have increased four to fivefold under the EES, with people typically waiting up to two hours. He attributed the problems to insufficient staffing and faulty equipment, warning that queues could stretch to six hours during the busy summer months unless improvements are made.
Contingency Measures and Official Responses
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has highlighted that border officials are not fully utilising their powers to scale back checks when required. The organisation urged authorities to develop better contingency strategies for peak periods and ensure frontline personnel properly understand regulations and their flexibility to implement them.
An ABTA spokesperson explained: The underuse of the measures has meant that there have been occasions where passengers have unnecessarily been caught up in lengthy delays going through passport control, which can have a knock-on impact for their onward travel. Under contingency measures, border authorities are allowed to stand down the system or limit checks to avoid significant disruption.
In contrast, Markus Lammert, European Commission spokesperson for Internal Affairs, maintained that the system had functioned largely without issues.
Related Passport Guidance for Dual Nationals
This development follows the Home Office releasing guidance for the 1.26 million Britons who currently possess dual citizenship. Starting 25 February 2026, dual British nationals must present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when entering the UK. The Home Office cautioned that carriers would be verifying passengers hold appropriate documentation, adding another layer of consideration for travellers amidst the ongoing border system changes.
