Key facts
- The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) requires UK travellers to register fingerprints and a photo when scanning their passport.
- The EES has led to significant queues and delays at some European airports.
- Holidaymakers have missed flights due to EES delays and faced additional costs for new tickets.
- Airlines and travel providers suggest arriving at airports three hours before departure.
- Travel insurance typically does not cover costs incurred from EES delays as it is considered an expected procedure.
UK travellers heading to Europe this summer are being warned about potential significant delays and additional costs due to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES). This system requires travellers to register fingerprints and a photograph when scanning their passport, which has led to long queues at some airports and resulted in missed flights and unexpected expenses for some holidaymakers.
To mitigate these issues, experts recommend arriving at European airports approximately three hours before flights, a suggestion echoed by budget airlines like Wizz Air, Jet2, and Ryanair. The Port of Dover advises passengers to arrive no more than two hours before ferry departures, warning that arriving too early could exacerbate queues. It is crucial for travellers to check specific arrival time advice from their airline, ferry, or rail company in advance and factor in travel time from home.
Signing up for alerts from airlines and travel providers is also advised to stay informed about current waiting times and potential changes. The Civil Aviation Authority suggests passengers check directly with their airline before travelling to allow ample time for security and reaching their departure gate. Downloading airline apps in advance and ensuring notifications are enabled can help travellers receive timely updates.
Furthermore, travellers are cautioned that airlines are not obligated to rebook passengers for free if they miss their flight due to EES queues. Travel insurance policies are unlikely to cover losses from such delays, as EES is considered an expected procedure. Anna-Marie Duthie, a travel insurance expert, noted that while there's a slight chance of a claim under missed departure or delay cover, immigration or border delays are often not covered reasons. Travellers are responsible for allowing additional time for these queues. One traveller, Anne Robinson, and her son missed their flight from Rome due to a 90-minute EES queue and had to pay £250 for replacement flights, which they could not claim back.