Millions of British travellers heading abroad this summer are being warned to prepare for major delays, with some experts predicting airport queues could reach six hour lengths due to the new European border control rules.
The warning comes as more than half of UK adults are expected to travel abroad in 2026, with searches for "summer holiday deals" surging by 123% in the past three months, despite concerns that new travel requirements could lead to disruption at airports across Europe.
One of the biggest concerns is the rollout of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires British travellers and other non-EU visitors to provide biometric data when entering the Schengen Area. Airline industry leaders have warned that these new checks could dramatically increase processing times at passport control.
As a result of these predictions, airlines are advising passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure.
The EES is not the only change affecting travellers, as Britons have also been warned to prepare for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch this year. Under the scheme, visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders, will need permission to enter 30 European countries for short stays. Applications will cost €20 (£17.20), although under-18s and over-70s will be exempt from this fee.
Meanwhile, travellers heading to the United States are being encouraged to use the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows passengers to complete border information digitally before arriving at passport control.