Everything to know about new airport rule as millions of Brits ‘to face four hour waits’

British travellers could face a four-hour wait at airports following the rollout of a new security system.

The Entry/Exit System (EES), set to replace the manual stamping of passports, will gradually be introduced across European airports over the next six months.

Non-EU nationals will face the automated IT system each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries during a short stay.

It will register many personal details, including the traveller's name, travel document data, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit.

"It will also record refusals of entry," the EU warns. They state that '29 European countries will introduce the EES gradually or in full at their external borders over a period of six months and that 'border authorities will gradually register the data of non-EU nationals subject to the EES'.

What countries does the EES system apply to?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the manual stamping of passports (EU)

The following 25 EU countries in the Schengen Area, and four other nations not part of the EU, will use the EES:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

Ireland and Cyprus will still use manual passport stamping.

When does the new EES border system come into effect and which countries will introduce it first?

The EES border system has already started in some countries (Getty Stock Images)

As of today (12 October), the EES is gradually being rolled out in the likes of Estonia, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Czech Republic for all arrivals and departures.

For all of the countries listed, the deadline for full implementation is 10 April next year.

How will the new EES border system affect your airport experience and how should you prepare?

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, said that Brits should aim to get to the airport four hours before their departure time, as the roll-out is expected to cause some delays.

“For major airports in southern Europe, we recommend that travellers now allocate four hours for navigating the new system in these initial stages,” she said.

Bue-Said added that 'delays should be anticipated' at border controls when flights arrive at similar times, and 'we foresee potentially overwhelming volumes of travellers during the initial roll-out'.

Rory Boland, editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said: “Longer waits are expected at border control on arrival so you should allow more time when you land by booking later transfers or other onward travel.”

Meanwhile, the Home Office claims that the extra checks 'should only take one to two minutes' to complete but warned they may lead to 'longer waits at busy times'.

Why is the EES being implemented?

Experts say you should expect delays (Getty Stock Images)

The EU says the EES will eventually make border checks a lot quicker and easier once it's fully set up.

"EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of everyone living in or travelling to Europe," they said.

"The new system will also help non-EU nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently overstayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud.

"In addition to this, the system will allow a wider use of automated border control and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveller."

New ETIAS system coming in 2026 to add further restrictions to EU travel

The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to follow the EES in late 2026.

Non-EU travellers from 60 visa-exempt countries must have ETIAS authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.

Applicants will need to complete an online form, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a €20 fee.

The authorisation, valid for three years or until passport expiry, is free for children under 18 and adults over 70.