easyJet urges passengers to be prepared to wait during EES checks

Passengers, regardless of airline, may need to be prepared for some changes

Passengers set to fly soon with easyJet have been urged to stay prepared ahead of changes to travel. On an update on its website on April 1 of this year, easyJet notes that in an “important update”, there are “new border checks may affect queue times.”

It explains: “Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed. This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken including your face and fingerprints scanned.”

With this in mind, it is wise for passengers to be patient as the new system is rolled out.

The budget airline suggests:

• Plan your travel to and through the airport, as you may experience longer queues
• If you need to go to Bag Drop, go there as soon as it opens
• Make your way through security as early as possible
• There may be additional checks at passport control before your gate
• Head to the gate or boarding area as soon as it’s announced
• Make sure you have the correct documents to travel
• You may experience longer queues in your arrival airport

What is EES and why is it being introduced?

An EES-dedicated website says: “The new Entry/Exit System (EES) started to be operational on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES are introducing the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.”

It is being introduced as the EES:

• Modernises border checks and gradually reduces waiting times at the borders.
• Easily identifies non-EU nationals who do not fulfil the conditions of entry and stay or those who stay longer than permitted in the Schengen area.
• Enhances the security of Europe’s borders.

Which European countries use the EES?

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia,
5. Czechia
6. Denmark
7. Estonia
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hungary
13. Iceland
14. Italy
15. Latvia
16. Liechtenstein
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. the Netherlands
21. Norway
22. Poland
23. Portugal
24. Romania
25. Slovakia
26. Slovenia
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland

You can find out more information about EES here. You can also read about it online via the GOV.UK website.