February 2026 update
Since we first published this article, some European airports have started rolling out the EES in phases. Travel industry bodies have reported longer wait times at some airports, especially in Spain, France, and Portugal, with people waiting for up to two or three hours.
Airlines and airport groups have warned that queues might get even worse during the busy summer period if there aren’t enough staff or the system gets overloaded. That said, EU member states have the option to temporarily reduce or delay EES checks at packed border crossings to help manage the congestion when needed.
Our advice: allow a little extra time on arrival in Europe, particularly during school holidays and other busy travel periods, and continue to check Government travel advice before you depart.
The good news is that your journey starts smoothly at London Southend Airport. Flying from an Easy. Speedy. Friendly. airport means less stress before you even take off – giving you a fuss-free start ahead of any new arrival processes in Europe.
If you’re planning to visit Europe from the UK, new travel regulations could impact how you prepare for your trip. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are transforming how borders are managed, making it crucial to understand these changes.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Entry/Exit System, the ETIAS and the 96-hour rules before you next fly to one of London Southend Airport’s destinations.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES, launched October 12, 2025, replaces traditional passport stamping with a high-tech biometric system. On your first trip after the launch, you’ll register at the border by scanning your passport, having your fingerprints taken, and being photographed. This creates a secure digital record of your entry and exit dates, valid for three years or until your passport expires.
Crucially, you don’t need to do anything before travelling – registration happens automatically at the border and is free.
Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted, but all travellers – including babies – will be photographed and added to the system.
After your first registration, subsequent trips will be quicker: you’ll just scan your passport and provide either a fingerprint or a photo.
The system applies across Schengen countries (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), but not when travelling to Ireland or Cyprus.
It also ensures compliance with the 90/180-day rule, which limits stays to 90 days out of any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Overstaying could result in penalties.
What is the 96-hour rule?
To avoid delays at the border, it’s recommended that you ensure your biometric data and travel details are processed at least 96 hours before arrival. While not an official regulation, this timeframe allows you to resolve any potential issues with your documents before travelling. With the EES now operational, entry and exit times are recorded automatically, so overstaying – even unintentionally – could lead to penalties.
What about the £6 ETIAS e-visa?
From Q4 2026, UK travellers will also need to apply for an ETIAS. Costing around £6 (€7), this electronic visa is required for short stays in the Schengen Area. Applications will be checked against EU security databases, and most will be approved within minutes. However, flagged applications could take up to 96 hours to process, reinforcing the importance of preparing early.
You can find out more about this charge here.
Where will the checks happen?
For London Southend Airport passengers, EES checks will take place when you arrive at your European destination airport. That means you should allow for a little extra time on arrival while the new system is introduced.
Checks will take place at the external borders of Schengen countries. This includes popular destinations from London Southend Airport such as:
However, each registration is expected to take just 1-2 minutes per person, though queues may be longer during peak travel times. European countries will also phase in the system over six months (until April 2026), so requirements may vary slightly.
Recent industry updates suggest that peak summer periods could see increased waiting times at some entry points as authorities continue to refine procedures.
If your travel includes other methods of transport, it’s worth noting that at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone and Eurostar at St Pancras, EES checks will be carried out before you leave the UK. Cruise passengers travelling on itineraries that start and end in the UK won’t need to complete EES registration, as they’re classed as transit passengers – though those flying to or from Europe for their cruise will register when they arrive at or depart from the airport in the Schengen Zone.
New routes for 2026
Early rollout delays and teething problems
Since the EES launch on October 12, 2025, some travellers have reported delays and confusion at certain European entry points as border authorities adjust to the new system. At the Port of Dover, plans to begin biometric checks for private car passengers have been postponed, although the system is live for coaches and freight.
Elsewhere, airports such as Prague, Düsseldorf and Paris Charles de Gaulle have seen longer queues as passengers adapt to new fingerprint and facial-recognition procedures. Because the roll-out is phased (running through to April 2026), and many locations are still using both the old passport-stamp process and the new EES checks in parallel, travellers should allow extra time on arrival.
How will this affect your trip?
With biometric checks now part of the entry process and the introduction of ETIAS on the horizon, planning ahead is essential.
Industry bodies have highlighted that operational factors such as staffing levels and the availability of biometric kiosks have contributed to slower processing in some locations. Authorities have stated that adjustments may be made during peak periods to prevent excessive disruption.
Here are some ways you can avoid any potential problems:
- Track your travel dates: Keep a clear record of recent visits to ensure you comply with the 90-day rule.
- Apply for ETIAS early: Once live, submit your application well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
- No advance application needed for EES: Unlike ETIAS, there’s no form to complete or fee to pay before you travel – EES registration is automatic and free at the border.
- Allow extra time at borders: Biometric checks might initially cause delays as travellers adjust to the new systems.
Read more:
Stay informed
Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend city break or an extended holiday, staying within the rules and applying for any necessary documents in advance will help ensure a seamless trip.
Make sure to check for updates on travel regulations and Government advice before your departure to keep your journey as stress-free as possible.
From check-in to take-off, flying from London Southend Airport keeps things easy breezy, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, whatever new border systems are in place.
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