Holidaymakers flying to Europe after April 10 could face longer queues at airports as the European Union introduces a major new border control system.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace traditional passport stamping with digital biometric registration for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. Visitors from countries such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia will have their fingerprints and facial image recorded the first time they enter under the new system.
The EU says the change will modernise border management and improve security, but travel experts warn that the early weeks of the rollout could bring delays.
“While the scheme is designed to modernise border controls and tighten security, the early days of the rollout could bring delays, especially at busy hubs such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam,” said Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of eSIM provider Saily.
What’s Changing at the Airport
From April 10, passport stamps will gradually disappear as biometric registration begins. First-time travellers under the new system will need to provide fingerprints and a facial image. Many airports are expected to introduce new self-service kiosks to handle the process, but border checks could take longer during the transition period.
The biggest impact is expected during peak arrival times and school holiday periods, when thousands of passengers arrive within minutes of each other.
Why This Spring Could Be Tricky
April marks the start of Europe’s high season for city breaks and long weekends. With more people travelling for Easter and spring holidays, even small delays at border control could quickly build up.
“Whenever a new airport system launches, there’s a natural adjustment period,” Maknickas said. “Travellers should allow extra time at arrival and be prepared for slightly slower border checks, particularly if it’s their first visit under the new system.”
Who Will Be Affected
The new rules apply to non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short stays, including British, American, Canadian and Australian travellers. EU passport holders will not need to register under EES.
How to Avoid Getting Caught Out
Maknickas recommends allowing extra time for arrival, especially for tight connections, keeping passports ready at border control, and following airport signage carefully as some terminals may introduce separate EES lanes. Travellers should also ensure they have mobile connectivity on arrival to access boarding passes, transfer tickets and live travel updates.The EU expects the system to streamline border man
