Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is creating long immigration lines at several major airports as first-time visitors register their biometric information. While the system is designed to speed up future border crossings, many travelers are currently reporting significant delays during peak travel season.
If you're planning a trip to Europe—or connecting through a European airport—these tips may help you avoid the worst disruptions.
How to reduce the impact of EES delays:
Choose nonstop flights whenever possible. Flying directly to your European destination reduces the risk of missing a connecting flight because of long immigration lines.
Avoid connecting through busy European hubs. Airports such as Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, and other major hubs have reported some of the longest delays.
Allow extra connection time. If you must connect in Europe, give yourself a generous layover in case border processing takes longer than expected.
Consider alternative gateways. Airports outside the EES system, such as London, Dublin, Istanbul, or other non-Schengen hubs, may offer smoother connections depending on your itinerary.
Travel during off-peak periods if possible. Early morning, late evening, or shoulder-season flights may experience shorter queues than peak summer travel times.
Prepare your travel documents in advance. Having your passport and any required documents ready won't eliminate delays but can help you move through the process more efficiently.
The new system is expected to improve future travel once registration is complete, but travelers should be prepared for longer processing times while the rollout continues.
The Takeaway: If you're flying to or through Europe this year, build extra time into your itinerary. Choosing nonstop flights, avoiding tight connections, and considering alternative hubs can help reduce the risk of missed flights and lengthy airport delays.