London, Paris, Amsterdam Face Massive Travel Delays: How to Beat the Airport Queues This Christmas

Published on December 11, 2025

As Christmas 2025 approaches, travel experts are urging British holidaymakers to allow extra time at major European airports. New European Union border procedures that began in October 2025 mean increased passport control times for non‑EU visitors — including UK citizens — as biometric checks replace traditional passport stamps at Schengen Area borders.

The heightened checks come at one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when millions of people schedule winter vacations and family celebrations across Europe. With countries such as France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands all part of the Schengen area, travellers flying from UK airports to European destinations including Paris and Amsterdam should prepare for significant border processing delays if they are not sufficiently prepared. This combination of seasonal demand and new border requirements means standard airport timings may no longer suffice.

What Is the European Entry‑Exit System and Why It Matters

The new Entry‑Exit System (EES) is a digital border management framework introduced by the European Union to replace manual passport stamping for non‑EU nationals, including UK visitors. As of 12 October 2025, all travellers from outside the EU entering the Schengen area must provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images at border control points. This process creates a digital record of each traveller’s entry and exit, using centralised IT systems.

Previously, border crossings were tracked with simple passport stamps. Under the EES, travellers will have their personal and biometric details captured on their first visit. Future visits within three years may only require a facial scan for verification. The phased rollout continues through April 2026, with full implementation expected by 10 April 2026.

The major shift in border control is intended to enhance security, improve immigration monitoring and boost the accuracy of entry/exit data across the 29‑country Schengen Area. However, the increased processing requirements mean that border control times will be longer, especially during peak travel windows.

Peak Travel Season Meets New Border Checks

Travel industry research indicates that UK holiday travel between November and February remains extremely popular, with more than half of British travellers planning at least one trip abroad during winter. The combination of peak festive bookings and fresh border protocols has alarmed travel planners, especially at major transport hubs such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol.

The biometric checks — requiring each traveller to undergo scanning and verification at passport control — can add minutes per passenger. Multiply that by hundreds of passengers on several flights landing at the same time, and queues of up to four hours are now a realistic risk if travellers arrive late or unprepared.

Additional Travel Impact for Tourists and Business Travellers

Leisure Travellers

Tourists heading to winter markets, ski resorts, family reunions, or bucket‑list cultural trips must build extra time into their schedules:

• Flights landing in peak windows are likely to see the most significant delays.
• Airport transfer services may cost more or arrive later in the schedule due to queue‑related delays.

Business Travellers

Professionals flying for year‑end meetings, networking events, or seasonal conferences are also affected:

• Delays at airports can disrupt business schedules and lead to missed appointments.
• Last‑minute airport check‑ins and short transfer times increase the risk of missed flights in the holiday rush.

Step‑by‑Step Traveller Guidance

To ensure smooth journeys through Europe this winter, visitors should follow these recommended steps:

1. Check Border Requirements Early
   Consult official travel guidance on the UK Government EU Entry‑Exit System page before booking. Ensure passports are valid and understand biometric check requirements.
2. Allow Extra Time at Departure
   Arrive at least three to four hours before flight departure during peak travel dates.
3. Prepare Documents in Advance
   Ensure your biometric passport is ready for kiosk scanning. Have travel bookings, return tickets and proof of funds readily accessible as additional questions may be asked during entry checks.
4. Follow Airline Guidance
   Use airline apps to receive live updates on flight check‑in times and recommended arrival windows.
5. Factor in Return Journeys
   When returning to the UK, remember that some passengers may undergo exit validation under EES at Schengen borders before departing for the UK.

Quick Tips for a Smooth European Trip

• Use Automated E‑Gates where available for UK biometric passport holders to expedite queue times.
• Avoid Peak Check‑In Times by selecting earlier or later flights when borders may be less busy.
• Pre‑Prepare Biometric Data if options are available at land borders or via advance self‑service devices.
• Stay Updated on EES Phasing as many countries will gradually add new official kiosks between now and April 2026.

What Official Sources Say

The EU Commission confirms the EES’s goal is to enhance security and replace passport stamps with digital records, capturing biometric data on first entry that can later be used for quicker identity verification. The database will centralise entry/exit information and help monitor stay compliance for short visits of up to 90 days in any 180‑day period.

The UK Government advises travellers to check its guidance on the Entry‑Exit System and other travel authorisation systems before departure to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of delays.

Key Points in Bullets

• The EU Entry‑Exit System (EES) began phased implementation on 12 October 2025, replacing passport stamps with digital biometric checks.
• Britons and all non‑EU nationals now will have personal and biometric data recorded when entering or exiting the Schengen Area.
• The system applies at air, sea and land border points across 29 Schengen countries.
• Travel checks are expected to slow border control during peak holiday periods, with possible queues of up to four hours.
• Travellers are advised to arrive early, prepare documents, and monitor official travel guidance.

Final Thought: Plan Ahead for a Stress‑Free Christmas Trip

This festive season marks one of the most significant changes to European border control in decades. While the Entry‑Exit System ultimately aims to modernise travel and improve security, it also introduces new layers of processing at border checkpoints — especially during high demand periods such as Christmas. Travellers who plan ahead, understand the requirements and adjust their airport arrival routines can turn potential delays into seamless beginning and end points for their European journeys.

For the most reliable and up‑to‑date entry requirements and travel guidance, always check official government travel pages and airline recommendations before departure. Safe travels and a joyful holiday season await those who prepare well.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated