UK Holidaymakers Advised to Arrive Three Hours Early at EU Airports

Due to new border and travel checks, passengers are being advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight.

British travellers heading home from European holidays are being advised to arrive at airports at least three hours before their flight departure due to new EU border checks.

The warning comes as the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to be rolled out across Schengen countries. The system replaces traditional passport stamping with digital registration, including biometric checks such as facial scans and fingerprints for non-EU travellers.

Airlines and airports have reported longer queues at passport control in some popular destinations, including Spain, Portugal and France. In some cases, travellers have experienced delays of up to three hours while passing through border checks.

Yvonne Moynihan, UK Managing Director of Wizz Air, has advised passengers to allow extra time when travelling through European airports. While travellers would normally be advised to arrive around two hours before departure, current conditions mean three hours is now being recommended.

The EES is designed to improve border security and track entry and exit dates electronically. UK passport holders travelling to most Schengen Area countries are affected by the new system.

Travellers are advised to:

• Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.

• Ensure their passport is valid for travel.

• Check airline and airport guidance before travelling.

• Allow extra time for passport control and security checks.

The EU's separate ETIAS travel authorisation system is expected to launch later in 2026, but it is not currently required for travel.

For Salisbury residents planning summer holidays to Europe, arriving early and preparing for longer queues could help avoid missed flights and unnecessary stress.