British travellers heading to Europe this summer should prepare for significantly longer waits at airports, as budget carrier Wizz Air advises passengers to arrive up to three hours before departure. The warning comes amid ongoing disruption caused by the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU visitors to register biometric data when crossing Schengen Area borders.
Since the system’s full implementation in mid-April, airports in popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and France have reported lengthy queues. Greece has partially suspended checks for British citizens to ease congestion. According to Wizz Air, some passengers have already missed flights due to passport control delays linked to the new procedures.
Fragmented Implementation Across Europe
Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s UK managing director, told the BBC that the impact of EES is “fragmented across Europe.” While some airports process travellers seamlessly, others struggle with bottlenecks. The airline now recommends passengers arrive three hours early instead of the standard two, and suggests bringing portable chargers and water in case of extended waits. Those with connecting flights should allow additional time.
ACI Europe, the trade body representing airports, confirmed that queues have reached up to three and a half hours in some locations. The organisation expects the situation “to deteriorate further” and “become unmanageable” as the summer travel season peaks, despite some airports temporarily suspending EES during busy periods.
The European Commission maintains that EES is functioning well at most border crossing points, with nearly 80 million entries and exits recorded since October and 35,000 refusals of entry. However, airlines and airports report persistent operational challenges.
Broader Travel Pressures
The EES-related delays coincide with rising jet fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict, prompting some travellers to book flights at the last minute due to uncertainty. Moynihan noted a trend of late bookings but insisted passengers “should feel confident booking” their summer holidays, a view echoed by EasyJet and Jet2 executives. Wizz Air expects no fuel shortages or schedule cuts, though fares may rise if oil prices remain high.
Affordability remains a concern across Europe. A YouGov survey of 2,000 Britons found that one in five cannot afford a holiday this year, with 30% postponing trips and 9% shortening them to save money. Similar surveys in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain show 18% to 21% of respondents facing affordability issues.
Portugal has deployed 48 extra border police to Lisbon Airport to manage EES-related queues, as reported in Portugal Deploys 48 Extra Border Police to Lisbon Airport Amid EES Delays.
Who Is Affected by EES?
The EES applies to non-EU and non-Schengen citizens visiting Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes UK citizens, visa-exempt travellers, and those who own EU property without a residence permit. Ireland and Cyprus are exempt and continue using manual passport checks.
Exemptions apply to EU and Schengen citizens, holders of long-term visas or residence permits, family members of EU nationals with residence cards, and holders of Local Border Traffic Permits. Train and plane crew on international routes, as well as armed forces personnel on NATO or Partnership for Peace missions, are also exempt. Day trips for cruises that begin and end outside the Schengen area may qualify for exemptions.
As summer approaches, travellers are advised to check airline guidance and allow extra time at airports across the continent.
