Long waits at airport customs might seem like a mere inconvenience, but for travelers, they can impact plans and add stress. With changes to entry systems in the EU, British citizens are facing significant travel headaches that could affect everything from vacation satisfaction to business efficiency.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to streamline the process for travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area, which includes many European countries. Recently, British travelers have been at the forefront of challenges stemming from its implementation. Reports indicate that long queues at airports in cities like Pisa, Lisbon, and Athens have become common, with waits extending from three to four hours. Travelers experienced delays while their fingerprints were recorded, and various software glitches led to issues that resulted in some airports reverting to manual stamping.

This situation presents a significant mobility challenge. With UK citizens accounting for approximately 14% of the 200 million third-country movements processed annually by Schengen Area airports, adding even a small delay per traveler can create a substantial backlog. For instance, if each traveler takes an extra 30 seconds during processing, this could translate into nearly 775,000 additional staff hours required annually—a burden that border agencies are ill-prepared to meet.

Privacy Concerns and Data Management

Alongside the logistical issues caused by EES, there are growing concerns regarding data privacy. The new system requires that visa-exempt travelers’ data be stored for up to three years, a period that surpasses the standards set by UK GDPR. Data privacy advocates have criticized this extended storage timeframe, suggesting that it could compromise individual rights and affect how personal data is managed.

Moreover, businesses sending staff or students between the UK and EU must now navigate these competing data protection regulations carefully. This adds a layer of complexity for corporate mobility teams, which must ensure compliance with both the EES requirements and the UK’s data privacy laws. The growing complexity might lead to increased operational costs and require more resources to manage.

Advice for Travelers and Corporations

In light of these challenges, travelers and corporations alike can benefit from proactive measures. Companies that frequently send employees between the UK and EU should consider using services like VisaHQ, which provides real-time updates on entry requirements. They offer personalized document checklists and concierge services that help ensure all necessary data is pre-validated before travel. This could significantly reduce the chance of delays at customs.

For individual travelers, choosing less congested airports for entry can make a big difference. For example, using airports like Porto instead of Lisbon has been recommended. Additionally, arriving outside of peak hours—typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—can help bypass long lines during busy travel periods.

What this means for you

The recent travel delays at EU airports highlight the importance of planning ahead. Consider your travel itineraries carefully and stay informed about entry requirements to lessen frustration. If you ever need to review travel-related documents, AI legalese decoder can help translate them into plain English in seconds.

Source: https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-05-01/gb/nightmare-queues-highlight-early-pain-points-of-eu-entryexit-system-for-uk-travellers/