The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing significant delays at European airports, with some UK travellers missing flights and being forced to pay for replacement tickets. The system requires UK travellers to register fingerprints and a photo when scanning their passport, adding extra time to border checks. Technical glitches have exacerbated the problem, according to a BBC report.
Context: The EU's New Entry/Exit System
The EES is a border control system that digitalises entry and exit records for non-EU travellers. For UK passengers, it means providing fingerprints and a facial scan each time they cross the border. The additional processing time, combined with technical issues, has led to queues that can result in missed flights. One traveller, Anne Robinson from Dunbarton, and her son Jack missed their flight home from Rome in June after a 90-minute queue and had to pay £250 for a replacement flight two days later – a cost they could not reclaim.
1. Arrive Early – But Not Too Early
Building in extra time is critical. The UK boss of budget airline Wizz Air told the BBC that British holidaymakers should arrive at European airports three hours before their flight home departs. Other airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair have given similar advice, depending on the airport.
However, Eurostar advises passengers to arrive at the station at the recommended time stated on their ticket, as it already accounts for EES steps. At the Port of Dover, technology issues have prevented the new system from being used. The port advises passengers to arrive no more than two hours before their ferry departure, warning that arriving too early could cause queues to build up.
Top tip: Check arrival time advice with your airline, ferry or rail company in advance and build in travel time from home.
2. Sign Up to Alerts
Airlines and travel providers send messages to let passengers know current waiting times and changes. The Civil Aviation Authority states: "Airlines typically notify passengers of significant delays. We also advise passengers to always check directly with their airline before heading to the airport to allow enough time for security checks and reaching their departure gate."
Most airlines have an app that can be downloaded in advance to receive alerts. Check that text notifications are enabled and that emails do not go into your junk folder.
Top tip: Download any apps in advance and familiarise yourself with where alerts appear.
3. Read Your Paperwork
If you miss your flight due to EES queues, airlines are under no obligation to put you on another flight without an extra charge. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of new flights, hotels, or other losses incurred as a result of EES delays, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Anna-Marie Duthie, travel insurance expert at analysts Defaqto, explains: "No travel insurance policies explicitly cover EES delays, because it is an expected procedure or routine process." She adds that there is a slight chance of a claim under missed departure or delay cover, but immigration or border delays are often not listed as covered reasons.
Top tip: Read your paperwork or speak to your insurer before you travel.
Implications for Logistics Operators
For logistics and freight professionals who travel regularly to Europe for business, EES delays can disrupt schedules and increase costs. Companies should advise travelling employees to follow the three steps above: arrive three hours early, enable all airline notifications, and review insurance policies for any possible coverage. This is especially important for those using European airports for cargo management meetings or site visits.
Watch List
- Further technical glitches at the Port of Dover and other border points could extend delays.
- Airlines and travel providers may adjust recommended arrival times as they gain experience with EES.
- Travel insurers may update policies to clarify coverage for EES-related delays; monitor guidance from the Association of British Insurers and Defaqto.
