Europe Travel Alert: Why UK Tourists Should Arrive Earlier at These Eleven Popular Airports as New EU Border Procedures Increase Waiting Times

Written By: Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya is a content writer with a strong academic and professional background in media and communication. She holds an M.Sc in Media Science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Swami Vivekananda University, Barrackpore, with a specialization in Advertising. With over three years of experience in content writing, she brings a blend of research-driven insight and creative storytelling to her work. Alongside her professional role, she is actively engaged in academics, contributing to the field through teaching and scholarly involvement. Her expertise lies in crafting well-structured, engaging, and informative content, supported by a solid foundation in media theory and practical industry knowledge.

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July 27, 2026 00:43 GMT+5:30

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Travellers from the United Kingdom planning holidays across Europe are being encouraged to prepare for longer airport queues at several major European gateways. A new assessment by travel experts suggests that some of the continent’s busiest airports are experiencing longer waiting times because of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border management programme.

The advice comes as millions of people continue travelling during the busy holiday season. While many passengers are still moving through airports without major disruption, some destinations are reporting extended waits at passport control. For holidaymakers, understanding where delays are more likely can help make travel smoother and less stressful.

Why Airport Queues Are Becoming Longer

The European Union is gradually introducing the Entry/Exit System to modernise border checks for eligible non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. Instead of receiving passport stamps, visitors will have biometric information, including fingerprints and facial images, recorded electronically during their first registration.

According to the European Commission, the system is designed to improve border security, reduce identity fraud and provide more accurate records of travellers entering and leaving participating countries. Although the long-term goal is to speed up border processing, the transition period has created additional waiting times at some airports where passenger numbers remain high.

Airports that welcome large numbers of British holidaymakers are among those expected to experience the greatest impact, particularly during weekends and school holiday periods.

Eleven European Airports Where Travellers May Face Longer Waits

Travel experts have highlighted eleven airports where passengers have reported longer departure queues linked to the new border procedures.

The airports include:

• Alicante Airport, Spain
• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany
• Kraków John Paul II International Airport, Poland
• Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal
• Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Spain
• Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy
• Milan Linate Airport, Italy
• Palma de Mallorca Airport, Spain
• Paris Beauvais Airport, France
• Tenerife South Airport, Spain

These airports remain among Europe’s busiest tourism gateways, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. High passenger volumes, combined with additional biometric processing, can occasionally lead to longer queues during peak travel hours.

It is important to remember that waiting times vary from day to day. Some passengers may pass through quickly, while others could experience delays depending on flight schedules and staffing levels.

Spain Continues to Welcome Huge Numbers of British Visitors

Spain appears several times on the list, reflecting its popularity among UK travellers rather than indicating widespread operational problems.

Destinations such as Alicante, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife remain favourite holiday choices because of their beaches, warm climate and year-round flight connections.

During the busiest travel periods, these airports often process thousands of passengers within short periods. Additional border checks can therefore increase waiting times, especially when several UK flights depart around the same time.

Travellers should not view this as a reason to avoid these destinations. Instead, they should simply allow more time before departure and remain prepared for possible delays.

What Global Travellers Should Do Before Flying

Good preparation remains the simplest way to reduce travel stress.

Passengers are advised to complete online check-in whenever possible before arriving at the airport. Keeping passports, boarding passes and any required travel documents ready can also help speed up the border process.

Checking airline emails and mobile applications before travelling is equally important. Airlines often provide updated recommendations if additional time is needed at specific airports.

Travellers should also ensure that electronic devices remain fully charged, particularly if digital boarding passes are being used throughout the journey.

Official Travel Advice Supports Early Airport Arrival

Government travel authorities continue to encourage passengers to follow airport and airline guidance carefully.

The UK Government advises travellers to check entry requirements before departure, including passport validity rules and destination-specific requirements. Since border procedures can change, travellers should confirm the latest guidance before leaving for the airport.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has explained that the Entry/Exit System forms part of wider efforts to strengthen security while making border management more efficient over time.

Although some airports are still adapting to the new technology, officials expect the system to become smoother as travellers and border authorities become more familiar with the process.

Planning Ahead Makes Every Journey Easier

Holidaymakers can take several practical steps to avoid unnecessary stress.

Arriving at least three hours before an international flight can provide extra time for check-in, security screening and passport control.

Families travelling with children, elderly passengers or travellers requiring special assistance should consider allowing even more time, particularly during weekends and public holidays.

Choosing early morning or mid-week flights may also reduce the likelihood of encountering the busiest airport periods.

Those travelling with only hand luggage may complete check-in more quickly, although passport control waiting times will still depend on overall passenger numbers.

European Tourism Remains Strong Despite Border Changes

Despite reports of longer queues at selected airports, demand for European travel remains exceptionally strong.

Millions of tourists continue choosing destinations across Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland for leisure, business and cultural experiences.

Airports, airlines and border authorities continue refining procedures to improve passenger flows while maintaining security standards.

For most travellers, the new border process will simply become another part of international travel, much like security screening and passport inspection already are.

A Little Extra Planning Can Make a Big Difference

Longer airport queues may become an occasional part of travelling across Europe while the Entry/Exit System continues to expand. However, they do not need to disrupt holiday plans.

By arriving early, checking official travel advice before departure and allowing additional time for border formalities, travellers can begin their European holidays with greater confidence.

Whether heading to the beaches of Spain, the canals of the Netherlands, the historic streets of Poland or the cultural landmarks of France and Italy, informed planning remains the best travel companion. A few extra minutes at the airport today can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey throughout Europe.