UK Travel Headaches: Border Checks Leave Holiday-Makers Fuming

Published on November 21, 2025

For many UK travellers, what used to be a smooth entry into Europe is now turning into an ordeal. The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which launched in October, is causing significant disruptions for Brits heading to popular destinations. This system requires biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs, from all non-EU nationals entering the zone, leaving holiday-makers fuming over longer queues and added delays.

EU’s New Border Checks: A Major Change for UK Travellers

The introduction of the EES represents a dramatic shift in how border controls operate in Europe. Under the new system, British nationals now need to provide biometric data on their first visit to Schengen countries, including their fingerprints and a photograph. While this process will be repeated only once every three years or until a passport expires, many UK travellers have expressed frustration at the additional delays at border control. These checks, which are intended to replace traditional passport stamping, have led to longer waiting times, particularly at high-traffic border points such as airports and train stations.

Why EU Introduced the Entry/Exit System

By digitally tracking the movement of travellers in and out of the Schengen Area, the system aims to increase efficiency and simplify border management. The data collected, including entry and exit times, helps authorities better manage visa compliance and track individuals staying beyond their permitted travel period.

Frustration Mounts as Delays Disrupt Travel Plans

The rollout of the EES has left UK travellers feeling disappointed and frustrated, especially those who have long enjoyed hassle-free travel across the European continent. These lengthy delays at border control are proving to be a major setback. The new system’s unpredictable implementation only adds to the confusion, leaving tourists wondering how much longer it will take before travel returns to its former ease.

The Impact on Popular UK to EU Travel Routes

Many of the UK’s busiest travel routes to Europe, including the Eurostar and ferry crossings through Dover, have been particularly impacted by the new border checks. Travellers on the Eurostar now face additional hurdles at the departure stage, where biometric checks will take place before they even board the train. With the phased rollout across different Schengen countries, some routes may see more streamlined processing than others, adding to the inconsistency in the travel experience. For UK nationals, the uncertainty surrounding these border changes has already begun to affect holiday plans, making them reconsider their travel options in the near future.

Will These New Measures Improve Travel in the Long Run?

Supporters of the EES argue that the system will ultimately help reduce border delays by creating a more automated and efficient process. For a generation of holiday-makers accustomed to spontaneous travel, these new border controls have dampened the free-spirited nature of European exploration.

Conclusion: The New Border Reality for UK Holiday-Makers

For those planning trips to the continent, the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System marks the start of a new era in travel – one that requires patience and a willingness to adjust to slower, more regulated border controls. While the system promises enhanced security and efficiency over time, UK travellers can only expect more delays in the short term. For now, the magic of a European holiday has been overshadowed by the reality of lengthy waits and complicated procedures. As travellers navigate these new border challenges, one thing is clear: the era of effortless European travel may now be behind us.