The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has caused significant disruption at border crossings across the continent, with holidaymakers facing extended queues and processing times during the peak summer season. The system, designed to digitally register non-EU travellers each time they cross an external border, has been rolled out in phases amid technical glitches and staffing shortages. France’s Channel ports have been among the worst affected, with reports of waits exceeding two hours at Calais and Dunkirk.
The British travel industry, bracing for a second summer of disruption, is quietly developing contingency plans. Tour operators and ferry companies are exploring alternative routes, including direct services to Spain and Portugal, while airlines are expanding capacity on non-EU destinations such as Turkey and Morocco. The UK government has urged Brussels to expedite the system’s stabilisation, warning that prolonged delays could undermine the economic benefits of post-Brexit tourism.
However, EU officials insist the EES is essential for security and will improve once fully operational. The situation remains fluid, with industry analysts predicting a shift in booking patterns as travellers seek to avoid EU bottlenecks.
