![\"Passengers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2157973671.jpg\")
\n\t\teasyJet has warned passengers across Europe to prepare to wait (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\teasyJet has warned passengers across Europe to prepare to wait (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Across Europe<\/a>, a new era of travel dawns: one without passport stamps.<\/p>\n As of April 10, all travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries must be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border points under\u00a0the\u00a0new entry and exit system\u00a0(EES)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The EES<\/a> is a digital system that replaces physical passport stamps at border points across the European Union<\/a>, and people with passports from non-EU countries, including the UK, are required to use it.<\/p>\n Travel<\/a> experts and the Home Office alike have already warned travellers of potential delays, with some predictions flagging waits of up to four hours.<\/p>\n Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, the travel agent and tour operator association, previously warned: \u2018Because of the checks, you might need to prepare for delays with extra water and snacks.\u2019<\/p>\n Now, airlines have chimed in, too.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Mystery Escape: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014\u00a0save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Beach Retreat (Lanzarote): 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014\u00a0save up to 58%.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Ahead of the system\u2019s introduction, on April 1, easyJet issued a message for passengers: prepare to wait in line.<\/p>\n Guidance on the budget airline\u2019s website<\/a> reads: \u2018Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry \/Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed. <\/p>\n \u2018This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken, including your face and fingerprints scanned.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\teasyJet’s top tips for passengers as EES rolls out\t\t\t<\/p>\n Plan your travel not just to the airport, but through it, too EasyJet <\/a>isn\u2019t the only budget carrier to warn passengers to prepare. Jet2<\/a> had advised travellers, particularly those holidaying in popular destinations like Spain and Greece, to read up on the new system.<\/p>\n The airline\u2019s website<\/a> suggests: \u2018There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK.<\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately this is outside of our control.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Most travellers from outside the EU, known as third-country nationals, will be required to register their passport details and biometric data when crossing into an EU country for the first time.<\/p>\n Biometric data includes fingerprints and facial pictures. Borders are likely to be kitted with self-service kiosks where passengers can input this information.<\/p>\n This data, as well as the entry and exit details, will be stored for subsequent visits.<\/p>\n \t\t Future visits will only require a verification of the biometric data, which can speed up the process.<\/p>\n Border officials will then also ask extra questions about accommodation, whether travellers have enough money for the trip, insurance and a return ticket.<\/p>\n Children are not exempt from the checks, although children under 12 do not need to give fingerprints; however, they will also need to have their faces scanned.<\/p>\n Will EES checks happen in the UK?<\/p>\n Usually, the checks will be carried out at the destination airport or port on arrival. The only exceptions are the Port of Dover, St Pancras International, and Folkestone.<\/p>\n As such, travellers heading to the EU will go through the checks there, as these are dual British and French border locations. <\/p>\n The new system applies to the 25 EU countries, plus Schengen members\u00a0Switzerland<\/a>,\u00a0Norway<\/a>,\u00a0Iceland<\/a>\u00a0and Liechtenstein.<\/p>\n Manual passport stamping will still be used in non-Schengen countries such as\u00a0Ireland<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Cyprus<\/a>.<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow
\nBe prepared for longer queues
\nGo to the bag drop as soon as it opens
\nGo through security early
\nPrepare for additional checks at passport control and upon arriving at your destination
\nGo through to the gate as soon as it\u2019s called
\nCarry the correct documents with you.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2255873057.jpg\")
\n\t\tJet2 has told passengers queues are \u2018outside\u2019 of their control (Picture: Getty Images)
\nHow does the EES system work in the EU?<\/p>\n![\"Panoramic](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-1433177212.jpg\")
\n\t\tJet2 has also urged passengers travelling to popular destinations like Greece to take note (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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