Australian travel advisors are being urged to allow longer connection times and build more flexibility into European itineraries as delays linked to the European Union’s biometric Entry/Exit System create a growing risk of missed flights and disrupted travel plans.
The EES is now operating across the external borders of 29 European countries, replacing manual passport stamps with electronic registration for eligible non-EU visitors, including Australians. Travellers must provide passport information, a facial image and fingerprints when creating their initial record.
While the system is intended to improve border security and streamline future crossings, its first peak northern summer has produced uneven results. Australia’s Smartraveller service has warned of delays reaching four to six hours at some European airports and reports of travellers missing flights.
Longer airport connections become essential
The disruption is particularly relevant for clients entering the Schengen area at a major hub before connecting to another European destination.
Border formalities are generally completed at the first Schengen entry point, meaning passengers arriving from Australia may need to clear immigration before continuing to an onward flight. A connection that previously appeared comfortable may no longer provide enough protection when biometric queues, terminal changes and security screening are added.
Advisors should consider longer connection windows, flexible fares and, where appropriate, an overnight stop at the first European gateway. Separate-ticket itineraries require particular caution because the onward airline may have no obligation to assist when a border delay causes a missed flight.
The problem is not consistent across every airport. Some gateways have processed travellers relatively smoothly, while others have experienced lengthy queues during concentrated arrival periods. That unpredictability makes standard minimum connection times a less reliable guide for itinerary planning.
Multi-country trips require clearer advice
The EES does not change the existing limit allowing Australians to spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the participating European countries. However, the system now records entries and exits electronically, making it easier for authorities to identify overstays.
This has implications for extended European holidays involving several Schengen countries. The 90-day allowance is cumulative across the area rather than resetting whenever a traveller crosses into another member country.
Advisors should clearly explain that movement between destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Greece generally remains within the same Schengen stay. Clients taking long holidays, combining touring and cruising or returning to Europe several times within six months may need their permitted days checked carefully.
Travellers should also allow extra time when departing the Schengen area, as the EES records exits as well as arrivals.
ETIAS remains on hold
The separate European Travel Information and Authorisation System has not yet launched, despite years of shifting timelines.
ETIAS will eventually require visa-exempt travellers, including Australian passport holders, to obtain an electronic authorisation before travelling to 30 European countries. The European Union says it is not currently accepting applications and will announce the confirmed start date several months before implementation.
When operational, the authorisation will be linked to the passport used in the application. It will also be checked before boarding, making accurate passport details essential.
Agents should warn clients against unofficial websites already claiming to process ETIAS applications. Until the European Union formally opens the system, no legitimate application can be lodged.
The combination of EES queues and uncertainty around ETIAS means European border requirements can no longer be treated as a minor pre-departure detail. For advisors, additional connection time, accurate Schengen-day calculations and clear documentation advice are becoming essential parts of building a workable European itinerary.
