Britons are facing widespread disruption in travel as a result of extended delays caused by new EU border regulations. These delays have resulted in some passengers missing their return flights and being stranded in other countries.
Approximately 100 EasyJet travelers were left behind during a flight from Milan’s Linate airport to Manchester due to long queues caused by the implementation of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES, which became fully operational across the EU on Friday, mandates biometric and facial recognition checks for individuals from third-party nations, including the UK.
Significant queues at major airports in cities like Paris, Lisbon, and Milan have left passengers waiting for extended periods to clear immigration checkpoints. Reports from stranded passengers at Milan’s Linate airport described individuals vomiting and fainting in the queues, exacerbated by a concurrent heatwave.
The EES, initiated on October 12, 2025, and fully launched on April 10, is a digital border control system for visitors from non-EU countries entering the Schengen area. This system replaces the previous manual passport stamping process upon entry.
British travelers are required to register digitally upon their first arrival in a Schengen area country following the implementation of the EES. The registration process is free, and travelers might be asked to provide fingerprints or photos during both entry and exit from the Schengen area.
While the EES may add a few minutes to the travel process, the registration remains valid for three years once completed. Additionally, a new visa-waiver system called ETIAS will be enforced for Britons visiting the EU from late-2026, involving a €20 fee for a three-year visa exemption.
Countries within the Schengen area are listed, with exceptions like the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus where the EES does not apply. Passenger accounts from the affected EasyJet flight revealed harrowing experiences, including prolonged airport stays and expensive rebooking fees to return home promptly.
EasyJet, responding to criticisms, emphasized that the delays were beyond their control and assured affected passengers of free flight transfers or advised them to consult their travel insurance for compensation claims. The airline acknowledged the unacceptable nature of the disruptions and urged border authorities to expedite clearance procedures to prevent further travel inconveniences.
Jet2, another airline, issued a caution to passengers at Faro Airport in Portugal due to congestion issues, advising early arrival to mitigate delays. ABTA, an association of travel agents and tour operators, recommended travelers to prioritize passport control immediately after security checks and follow transport providers’ guidelines regarding airport arrival times to navigate the EES process efficiently.