Non‑EU travellers — including millions of British holidaymakers — are bracing for major disruption as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes fully operational today, April 10, 2026. The system, which replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks, requires all non‑EU nationals to register fingerprints, facial images and passport details before entering the Schengen area.
The rollout began in phases on October 12, 2025 across 29 European countries, but officials and travel bodies warn that many border points are still unprepared — raising fears of severe queues just as the summer getaway season begins.
What travellers can expect
Under the new rules, anyone from outside the EU or Schengen zone must complete their EES registration on their first trip. This will be done at airports, ferry terminals and Eurostar stations using dedicated machines that capture biometric data and scan passports.
Until now, only some travellers were required to register during the phased introduction. From tomorrow, the requirement becomes universal — and early signs suggest the system is struggling.
Passengers have already reported hours‑long queues at airports across Europe. Travel reporter Alice Penwill spent three hours in the arrivals hall at Lanzarote Airport last month, while delays have also been recorded in Brussels, Lisbon and Prague.
Industry warnings grow louder
Airports Council International, Airlines for Europe and IATA have all warned that queues of “four hours or more” are likely during peak summer months unless the rollout is slowed.
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue‑Said said this week that “significant issues” remain unresolved.
“While we understand the importance of modernising border processes, a smooth rollout must be prioritised in order to avoid major travel chaos at peak periods,” she said. “With very high demand for travel over the upcoming summer holiday period, we are deeply concerned about the impact delays could have.”
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has been even more blunt, calling the system “a shambles” and urging EU officials to delay implementation by five months, until the end of September.
Airports scramble to prepare
Some airports are now rushing to create dedicated lanes for British travellers in an attempt to ease congestion. Spanish operator Aena has confirmed that Ibiza, Menorca, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca airports will adapt their security and border‑control areas specifically for UK passengers.
Ferries and Eurostar face their own delays
Despite the looming deadline, several major border points will not be fully ready.
France’s Ministry of the Interior has postponed full EES checks at the Eurostar terminal in London St Pancras and at the ports of Dover and Calais. Travellers using Eurostar, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and cross‑Channel ferries will not yet be required to provide fingerprints or facial images because the necessary technology is not in place.
At the Port of Dover, only lorry drivers, coach passengers and foot travellers are currently being registered.
According to Visa HQ, the EES system at some French border points has been “paused for several weeks” due to failed software integration tests and insufficient physical booth space.
Summer holiday disruption likely
With millions of Brits preparing for summer holidays, the timing could hardly be worse. Demand for travel is expected to exceed pre‑pandemic levels, and any slowdown at border control risks cascading delays across airports and ferry terminals.
Unless the EU agrees to a last‑minute postponement — which officials have so far resisted — travellers should prepare for longer queues, earlier arrival times and potential knock‑on delays throughout the peak season.
