How to Avoid Delays with the European Entry/Exit System (EES)
While the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been designed to make border crossings more efficient in the long term, travellers may experience longer waiting times, particularly during busy travel periods or when using the system for the first time.
Fortunately, a little preparation can help make your journey much smoother.
Here are our top tips to help you avoid unnecessary delays when travelling to Europe.
1. Arrive Earlier Than You Normally Would
One of the biggest changes under EES is the additional time needed to complete your first biometric registration.
Although the process itself only takes a few minutes, queues can quickly build up during peak periods, particularly at busy airports, ferry ports and rail terminals.
To reduce the risk of unnecessary stress:
If you’re travelling by ferry or train, always follow the arrival guidance provided by your operator, as some terminals have limited waiting areas and may advise against arriving excessively early.
2. Check Whether Your Destination Supports the Travel to Europe App
Some participating countries now support the official Travel to Europe mobile app, allowing eligible travellers to complete parts of the registration process before arriving at the border.
Depending on the country, you may be able to:
Although you’ll still need to complete identity checks when you arrive, using the app may help reduce the amount of time spent at border control.
Support for the app is expected to expand as more countries adopt the technology.
| Country | Current Support |
| Sweden | Passport registration, facial photograph and travel information |
| Portugal | Entry questionnaire and travel information |
| Other participating countries | Expected to follow in future updates |
As more countries adopt the app, travellers should find the registration process quicker and more consistent.
Before travelling, check whether your destination currently supports the app and what features are available.
3. Keep Your Travel Documents Easily Accessible
Having everything ready before reaching border control can help speed up the process.
As well as your passport, it’s worth keeping the following documents together:
Border officials may ask to see additional documents, particularly if you’re entering the Schengen Area for the first time or travelling for an extended period.
Keeping digital copies stored securely on your phone can also be useful if you need quick access.
4. Check Your Passport Before You Travel
Since Brexit, UK travellers must meet additional passport validity requirements when visiting most European countries.
Generally, your passport must:
If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you may be refused entry.
It’s always worth checking your passport well in advance of travelling to avoid any last-minute surprises.
5. Travelling With Children? Plan Ahead
If you’re travelling as a family, border queues can be more challenging for younger travellers.
Simple preparation can make a big difference.
Consider bringing:
If your children are also travelling on UK passports, they’ll usually need to complete the EES registration process too.
6. Don’t Forget About Your Journey Home
Many travellers focus on entering Europe, but it’s equally important to remember that your departure from the Schengen Area is also recorded under EES. Where and when you’ll complete EES checks can vary depending on your airport or port of departure.
During busy holiday periods, border checks when leaving Europe can also take longer than expected.
If you’re returning by:
allow extra time before departure and check your operator’s latest travel advice.
7. Stay Up to Date Before You Travel
The Entry/Exit System is still relatively new, and individual countries continue to refine how the process operates at different border crossings.
Before you travel, check:
A few minutes of preparation could save you a much longer wait at the border.
Travelling by Plane, Ferry, Eurostar, Eurotunnel or Cruise
The Entry/Exit System applies across multiple forms of transport, although the registration process may differ depending on how you’re travelling.
EES Advice: Flying to Europe
If you’re travelling by air, you’ll normally complete the Entry/Exit System process when you arrive at passport control in your destination country.
During busy travel periods, some airports may experience longer queues while first-time travellers complete biometric registration.
It’s sensible to:
EES Advice: Travelling by Ferry
If you’re travelling by ferry from ports such as Dover, Newhaven or Hull, border checks may take place before departure or on arrival, depending on the route.
Your ferry operator will advise where EES registration takes place.
During busy summer weekends, allow additional time for boarding and always follow the operator’s recommended arrival times.
EES Advice: Travelling by Eurostar
Passengers travelling by Eurostar complete border checks before boarding the train.
As EES is introduced across rail terminals, processing times may vary, particularly for first-time travellers.
Eurostar will continue to provide updated arrival guidance as border procedures evolve.
EES Advice: Travelling via Eurotunnel
Drivers travelling through the Channel Tunnel should expect the Entry/Exit System to form part of the existing border process.
Although registration is designed to be straightforward, first-time users may require additional time while biometric information is captured.
Check Eurotunnel’s latest travel updates before setting off.
EES Advice: Travelling on a European Cruise
Whether you’ll need to complete EES registration during a cruise depends on your itinerary.
For example:
If you’re unsure, speak to your cruise operator before travelling.
Your European Entry/Exit System (EES) Travel Checklist
Before leaving for your holiday, check you have:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Accommodation confirmation
✅ Return or onward travel ticket
✅ Travel itinerary
✅ Emergency contact details
✅ Means of payment
✅ Phone charger or power bank
✅ Copies of important travel documents
If you’re travelling with children, don’t forget:
✅ Snacks
✅ Drinks
✅ Entertainment
✅ Medication
✅ Travel documents for every family member
Completing this checklist before you leave home can help reduce stress and make your journey through border control as smooth as possible.
EES and Travel Insurance
While the Entry/Exit System is designed to improve border security and streamline travel across Europe, it’s important to remember that unexpected events can still happen.
Whether you’re travelling for a weekend city break, a family holiday or a longer European adventure, having travel insurance can help provide protection should things not go to plan.
Travel insurance may help protect you against unexpected events such as:
It’s important to understand that delays caused solely by expected border queues or arriving late at the airport may not be covered under your travel insurance policy. Always allow plenty of time for your journey and check the terms and conditions of your policy before travelling. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, make sure you arrange suitable travel insurance before you leave.
