Airlines such as TUI, easyJet, and Jet2 have released updates and guidance concerning the implementation of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES), advising travelers to arrive at the airport early.
Britons traveling abroad are facing significant disruptions due to the launch of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES). Reports indicate long queues at border controls in European and UK airports, leading to missed flights as holidaymakers navigate the new digital border system for the first time.
The EES, fully activated on April 10th, mandates that all British travelers going to the Schengen area must create a digital record and register biometric data like fingerprints and a photo. This registration is necessary for the initial entry at the airport border in the Schengen area, with the EES remaining valid for three years post-registration.
Acknowledging potential delays, the government highlighted that the EES might require additional time per passenger. Travelers have experienced delays of up to three hours and missed flights, prompting airlines to offer crucial advice to passengers adapting to the new digital border system.
TUI, in a travel alert on the EES, advised passengers to allow extra time for border control, suggesting carrying essential medication in hand luggage and proceeding directly to passport control after dropping baggage to avoid delays. Bringing extra water for comfort was also recommended.
In a recent update, easyJet cautioned travelers about potential longer queues at passport control due to EES checks across European airports. They advised passengers to plan their airport journey accordingly, emphasizing the need for biometric data capture.
Jet2 informed travelers about possible delays at EU airports due to the EES, advising passengers to allocate extra time for border control both on arrival and departure. They further recommended early arrival at the airport to navigate through potential delays efficiently.
British Airways mentioned the need for passengers to register biometric details upon entering the EU for the first time under the EES, stressing the importance of allowing extra time for this process, which is free of charge and valid for three years.
For more details on the EES system, visitors can refer to the government website. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for potential delays and changes resulting from the new digital border system.
