A new European Union digital border system has triggered widespread disruption at major travel hubs across the continent, leaving British holidaymakers facing lengthy delays. The system, which requires non-EU nationals to submit biometric data including fingerprints and facial scans, went live on Friday as the summer exodus began.
Travellers at airports from Paris to Rome reported waits of up to three hours as automated kiosks malfunctioned and manual processing struggled to cope with demand. The system is designed to enhance security by tracking third-country nationals entering and exiting the Schengen area, but its rollout has been plagued by technical glitches.
A British government spokesperson confirmed that officials are in contact with European counterparts to mitigate the disruption. “We advise all passengers to arrive at least four hours before departure and to consider using alternative ports of entry where possible,” the spokesperson said.
The chaos comes weeks after the UK and EU finalised a new post-Brexit data-sharing agreement, which was intended to smooth the transition. Critics argue the system was rushed through without adequate testing, while supporters insist the long-term benefits justify short-term inconvenience.
Industry analysts estimate the disruption could cost the travel sector hundreds of millions of pounds in compensation and lost revenue. Airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights, and some travellers have reported missing connections entirely.
For now, the message from officials is clear: patience is required. But for thousands of families whose long-awaited summer breaks are now at risk, patience may be in short supply.
