Be prepared for extra border checks in Europe

If you’re travelling to Europe this summer, you may face longer queues at airports than normal because of new border control procedures now being used across most Schengen Area countries, called the Entry and Exit System (EES).

The system requires British and Jersey passport holders to provide biometric information when entering and leaving participating countries. Travellers will be photographed, have their fingerprints taken and may be asked a small number of questions by border officials.

While the process itself is relatively quick, it takes longer than a simple passport stamp. As a result, some airports have been experiencing significant queues, particularly during busy periods when several flights arrive or depart at the same time.

Most European countries are operating the new system, although Ireland and Cyprus are not part of it. Some destinations have also adjusted, or temporarily suspended, parts of the process during peak summer periods to help manage passenger flows.

What does this mean for travellers?

For those arriving in Europe, the main impact may be a delay in clearing border control and reaching onward transport or accommodation.

For departing passengers, however, the consequences can be more serious. Long queues at border control could increase the risk of missing flights if travellers have not allowed enough time before departure.

The Jersey Consumer Council advises passengers travelling to affected destinations to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure time. Depending on the airport and time of travel, allowing two to three hours before departure may help avoid unnecessary stress.

Airports reporting delays

According to reports highlighted by Which? in their travel magazine, some of the airports experiencing longer waiting times during July include:

• Alicante
• Amsterdam Schiphol
• Berlin
• Kraków
• Lisbon
• Milan
• Palma de Mallorca
• Málaga
• Paris Beauvais
• Tenerife South

Planning and allowing extra time can help ensure your holiday starts and ends as smoothly as possible. You can do this by monitoring your airport’s website or the airline for updates on delays and checking how many flights will depart at around the same time. Always allow extra time for the security check and have all your documents handy for speed.