Britons are facing significant disruptions in travel as a result of prolonged wait times caused by new European Union border regulations. These rules have led to some travelers missing their return flights and becoming stranded overseas.
Approximately 100 passengers flying with EasyJet from Milan’s Linate airport to Manchester were left behind due to long queues on Sunday. The new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which became fully operational across the EU on Friday, now mandates biometric and facial recognition checks for individuals from non-EU countries, including the UK.
Major airports in cities like Paris, Lisbon, and Milan experienced extensive queues as passengers had to endure delays in clearing immigration. Reports emerged of passengers feeling unwell and fainting in the queues at Milan’s Linate airport, exacerbated by a heatwave.
The EES, initiated on October 12, 2025, and fully implemented on April 10, aims to digitally manage border crossings for third-party nationals entering the Schengen area, encompassing EU nations and select others. This system replaces the traditional manual passport stamping process.
British travelers are now required to create a digital record upon arrival in a Schengen country, with registration done on-site at no cost. Procedures may involve photo-taking and fingerprint submission, potentially also required upon departure from the Schengen area.
Although the EES may slightly delay passenger processing, the recorded information remains valid for three years once completed. Additionally, a new visa-waiver scheme called ETIAS will be introduced later in 2026, necessitating British visitors to apply for a €20 visa exemption valid for three years.
Countries within the Schengen area, including Austria, France, Germany, and Spain, are covered by the EES, while the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside its scope. Travelers like Carol Boon and Max Hume shared their distressing experiences of missing flights and incurring substantial costs to return home promptly.
EasyJet acknowledged the challenges faced by passengers, emphasizing that such delays are beyond their control and offering free flight transfers for affected customers. However, frustrations were voiced regarding compensation and the overall handling of the situation by the airline.
In response to passenger concerns at Faro Airport, Jet2 issued an alert advising early arrival to account for congestion. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) recommended travelers proceed directly to passport control post-security checks and adhere to transport providers’ guidance on airport arrival times.
Overall, the implementation of these new border regulations has caused widespread inconvenience for British travelers, prompting heightened vigilance and preparation to navigate the evolving travel landscape efficiently.