‘Take food and water’ – Here’s what to know about the chaotic new EU entry system

• Travellers across Europe have been seeing long delays, of up to six hours, due to the complications of Europe’s new entry system.
• The new system requires the registering of personal and biometric data, which is slowing down airports.
• Here’s what you should know to make your process as smooth as possible.

Tourists are being told to pack food and water as the European Union’s new entry and exit system (EES) creates massive delays at airports around the continent.

This new system could not have come at a worse time, with Europe well into the peak of its tourism season and also experiencing record heatwaves.

The new EU system requires biometric information and registration from travellers, including taking photos and scanning fingerprints, as well as the collection of passport information, all of which is what is leading to mass delays of up to six hours. 

Smart Traveller has even released new travel warnings for Europe, related to the delays.

The warning reads: “The EES is currently causing delays of up to 4-6 hours in some European airports. Travellers have missed flights as a result. Take delays into account when booking your travel.

“Allow extra time between connecting flights. Choose flexible flight options. Arrive well before your flight is due to leave.”

The warning even advises travellers to pack food and water in order to put up with the long lines.

“Queues to access EES self-service kiosks are long. Be prepared to stand for an extended time. Take food and water if needed. If you have mobility or health concerns that limit how long you can stand, talk to airport support staff.

“The process may be quicker if the country you’re in lets you give your initial data using an EES mobile app. But still be prepared for delays.”

Some countries, like Greece, briefly suspended the roll out of the new system to some countries to reduce delays, but no country has made a decisive decision yet, despite calls from the travel industry to suspend it.

While many hope some decisions will be made that can at least provide relief to travellers, for now, the reality is that your next trip to Europe will probably face some delays. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your process as smooth as possible. 

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Tips for tackling the EU’s new entry system 

Check if the new entry system applies to you 

• The new system applies to all 29 countries of the Schengen Area. 
• This includes popular destinations like Austria, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, Iceland, France, Germany, Croatia, Belgium and more.
• When landing in any of these countries, you will be required to immediately enter yourself into the new system.

Pack food and water 

• Just as the Smart Traveller warning says, make sure you pack some water and some snacks. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in line for hours on hours with no access to stores to be able to quickly grab something. 
• If you find yourself with nothing on hand, grab snacks from the plane before you get off, or keep an eye out for a shop before you enter the immigration line.

Change your flights if you have short stopovers 

• While European stopovers in the past have been known as easy quick changes, this summer will be a different story. If you have quick turnovers in airports, be aware that you probably won’t make it and try to make alternate arrangements. With some queues up to six hours, unless your stopovers are already spaced out, you might want to look into changing them.
• If you can manage a direct flight straight to your destination, this will of course be the easiest way to do it. Or if there are trains available from your first destination to your last, you could mix your plane ride with a train trip for a smoother experience. 
• If you can schedule stopovers outside of Europe or the Schengen countries, this can also work. For example, if you’re flying to Germany, you could fly to London, and then to Germany. 

Have your travel documents with you 

• Depending on the airport you arrive in, you may be questioned about the purpose of your stay, or even asked to show proof of having sufficient funds for your stay.
• To make the process easier just in case, having a printed out travel itinerary, including your return flights, can help smooth out the process.