EasyJet issued a new update on May 7 to anyone with flights booked across parts of Europe. Holidaymakers were warned that they need to give themselves plenty of time in the airport this spring and summer – or risk missing their flights.

In the update, the airline said: “Airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times at passport control due to the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). This could mean you need to have your biometrics taken at border checks, including the scanning of facial images and fingerprints.

“The airline may not be able to wait for delayed passengers, even if the wait is longer than usual. We strongly recommend arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare.”

It added: “If you booked with EasyJet holidays and you have a transfer included in your package, we’re working closely with our transfer partners to account for potential delays at border control.”

For people facing the EES system for the first time, airlines have suggested passengers give themselves as much time as possible. Depending on your airline, specialists in the travel industry claim that arriving up to three hours ahead of take-off is plenty of time to complete all the usual security checks plus the new EES requirement.

What are EasyJet’s tips for travelling?

Travel specialist Kate Donnelly (@Thedonnellyedit) said people should arrive as close to the opening of the check-in desks as possible, giving holidaymakers the maximum time without waiting. This varies by airline and route, so it is best to check online before travelling and plan accordingly.

What is the EES system for?

The new EES is replacing the current system of manually stamping passports upon visitors’ arrival in the EU. Instead, non-EU residents travelling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) will have to scan their passports at border kiosks, which capture biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) and personal information.

The registered digital data is stored for three years and one day. The system is designed to help improve security, combat irregular migration, prevent identity fraud, and streamline border checks.

The influx of delays is down to the system rolling out recently, meaning most passengers won’t have been through an airport since the checks were required. The full list of exemptions to the EES system is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

Will I need to go through EES?

Despite reported pushback from countries within the EU like Greece, these new rules currently apply to 29 European countries. The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are in the EU but not part of the Schengen area, so EES is not applicable if Brits are travelling to either country.

The full list of EU countries that will require EES verification includes: