EasyJet has issued a warning to passengers travelling to Europe this spring and summer, advising them to allow extra time at the airport to avoid missing their flights due to new border control procedures. The airline stated on 7 May that airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times at passport control because of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric checks including facial scans and fingerprints.
The airline cautioned that it may not be able to wait for delayed passengers, even if the wait is longer than usual. EasyJet strongly recommends arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare. For those who booked with EasyJet holidays and have a transfer included, the airline is working closely with partners to account for potential delays at border control.
Travel experts suggest arriving up to three hours before departure to allow sufficient time for standard security checks and the new EES requirements. Travel expert Kate Donnelly recommends passengers arrive as near to check-in desk opening times as possible to maximise time before queuing begins. Opening times vary by airline and destination, so travellers should check details online beforehand.
The EES system replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passengers must scan their passports at border kiosks, which collect biometric data and personal information. Digital data remains on file for three years and a day, meaning those going through checks now will need to update their information in 2029.
The surge in delays stems from the recent introduction of the system, meaning most travellers have not passed through an airport since the checks became mandatory. The regulations currently cover 29 European countries, but the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are outside the Schengen area, so EES does not apply to those destinations.
