You've spotted a cheap flight to Barcelona, and you've mentally packed your bags. Then you remember: hang on a minute, aren't there some new EU rules coming into place?
The answer is yes, there certainly are. And with all the discussion about EES and ETIAS, it's easy for confusion to creep in.
In this post, we'll cover everything UK travellers need to know about these new systems and the likelihood of encountering EES delays at borders.
Why Are EES and ETIAS Being Introduced?
Before we dive in, let's take a look at what each new system is, when they're being introduced and why.
What is the EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) allows countries to quickly and easily screen you against their security databases as you enter and leave.
It launched in October 2025 and is being incrementally rolled out across Europe over the space of six months, with full implementation expected by April 2026.
Why is the EES Being Introduced?
The aim is to replace time-consuming physical passport stamping with digital records, making it easier to detect overstayers and combat identity fraud.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorisation system that screens you for security risks before you are allowed to travel to Europe.
Scheduled to be implemented in the last quarter of 2026 and introduced over the space of six months (starting with a transitional period, during which it won't be mandatory), it works a lot like the US ESTA system.
Why is ETIAS Being Introduced?
The aim is to identify security, irregular migration, or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors before they reach the border, ensuring a safer and smoother entry process.
Will the EES Cause Delays at the Border?
EES will replace physical passport stamping with digital biometric checks, such as fingerprint processing. / iStock
The short answer is probably yes, especially in the earlier months of its introduction. Officials warn there might be some delays at the beginning. As the system is set to be introduced incrementally over six months, not every crossing will be ready at once.
Some travel industry experts have voiced concerns that the EES could cause congestion, especially if travellers are unfamiliar with the new procedures. Key UK departure points like Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel could feel the pinch most.
EES: The Good News
But there's some good news for regular travellers. Your biometric information will be stored for three years, so return trips should be smoother, as your details are already in the country's system.
To try and keep delays to a minimum, major transport operators are deploying new infrastructure. Eurostar, for example, has installed nearly 50 self-service kiosks at St Pancras, while Eurotunnel has built a dedicated drive-through zone featuring over 100 kiosks at its Folkestone terminal.
In short, busy travel periods in early 2026 might test travellers' patience. But as with any new system, this should settle down over time.
Will ETIAS Delay Your Trip?
Travellers will complete ETIAS paperwork online before travelling, which means it shouldn't impact the airport process at all. / iStock
ETIAS shouldn't delay your trip at the airport itself. Unlike the EES, which happens at the border, ETIAS is strictly a pre-travel bit of admin. Think of it as holiday homework—you sort it out from the comfort of your sofa weeks before you fly, not while you're queuing at passport control.
How fast is it? According to the European Commission, the vast majority of applications will be approved in minutes. You'll pop your details in, pay the fee, and likely get the green light almost immediately.
Is there a catch? Occasionally, yes. While most people sail through, some applications get flagged for extra checks. If they need to ask you for more documents or, in very rare cases, interview you, the process could drag on for up to 30 days.
The takeaway: Don't leave it until the night before; get your ETIAS sorted as soon as you book your flights. That way, you avoid any last-minute panic, and by the time you head to the airport, your passport is already pre-approved for travel.
Once you have that authorisation, you simply turn up at the border and let the system do the rest.
Practical Tips to Avoid EES Delays and ETIAS Hitches
Having your important documents and your phone to hand, containing your QR codes and booking details, can help avoid unnecessary delays / Stock
Want to breeze through the new checks with minimal fuss? Here's a checklist of things you can do to make your upcoming travels as smooth as possible.
- Don't leave ETIAS to the last minute. Apply at least a few weeks before your trip. While most are instant, you don't want to be caught out by a manual check that takes 30 days.
- Keep important documents and booking confirmations handy. Although ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport, it's smart to save the approval email and your hotel details on your phone, just in case you're asked for proof of plans.
- Check your passport dates. Post-Brexit rules are strict; your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the EU, and must have at least three months left on the day you plan to leave.
- Travel off-peak, if you can. Avoid the school holiday rush. Early morning or mid-week crossings will likely see shorter queues at the new EES kiosks.
- Stay in the loop. These systems are rolling out gradually, so keep an eye on official travel updates before you pack your bags.
Make Travel Smoother with an eSIM
With EES and ETIAS pushing European travel into the digital age, you need a phone connection that won't let you down. Whether you're quickly pulling up your ETIAS confirmation at the border or just want to keep the kids entertained in a snaking queue, having data on tap is essential.
Don't rely on patchy airport Wi-Fi or expensive roaming charges. Sort your data before you fly with an eSIM from Airalo. Keeping you online through airport admin and in a new country from the moment you land, eSIMs are the smartest, most affordable way to stay connected in Europe.
Check out your options and find your Airalo eSIM for Europe here.
FAQs: Will ETIAS and EES Delay You?
1.) Will the New EES System Cause Delays at EU Borders?
Officials have advised that there might be some delays at the beginning as the EES rolls out. First-time registration takes longer because your fingerprints and facial image need to be recorded. But the information will be stored for three years, making repeat visits much smoother.
2.) Will ETIAS Cause Delays For UK Travellers?
No, ETIAS is a digital authorisation that is linked to your passport and is approved online before you travel. As long as you apply in advance and have your authorisation ready, it won't cause any extra delays at passport control.
3.) Why Could EES and ETIAS Lead to Delays At the Border?
Delays are most likely during the transition period when border staff and travellers adjust to new systems. The new system could cause congestion, especially if travellers are unfamiliar with the new procedures. First-time EES registration involves biometric checks, which take longer than traditional passport stamps.
4.) How Can I Avoid Delays When EES and ETIAS Start?
Apply for ETIAS well before your trip and make sure your passport is less than 10 years old on the day you enter and will be valid for at least three months after exiting the EU. Keep boarding passes and confirmations handy on your phone. Consider using an eSIM for Europe from a trusted, well-rated provider such as Airalo for instant connectivity.
5.) Will Every UK Traveller Be Affected by EES and ETIAS Delays?
All nationals of countries that are not in the EU or Schengen (including UK passport holders) will need to use the new systems when travelling to the 29 European countries using EES (and eventually Cyprus for ETIAS). However, the impact depends on when and where you travel, with delays expected to ease over time.
