Alright, let’s grab that espresso.
Because frankly, if you’re planning a trip to anywhere in Europe right now, you’re going to need a strong one.
We need to talk about Europe’s new border system, EES. It’s creating a bit of a headache, to put it mildly.
Airports and airlines across Europe are now openly calling for a complete rethink of the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
The word “unacceptable” is being thrown around, and for good reason.
Delays Expected (Almost Guaranteed)
If you’re a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen traveling into the Schengen zone (aka Europe), be prepared for some serious delays.
We’re hearing stories of five-hour waits at some border crossings, with reports from airports like
- London Gatwick
- Dublin
- Madrid
reporting these extraordinary delays. Five hours. That’s a quarter of a day lost, just standing in line.
How Does This Affect You?
Now, you might be thinking, “How does this affect me?”
Well, Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. So, if you are an American tourist, excited for a week in Zermatt, arriving at Geneva or Zurich. You might be in for a rough time!
Or worse, landing at a major European hub like Frankfurt or Paris, battling those five-hour queues, only to take a connecting flight to Switzerland.
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It casts a shadow over their entire trip before it even begins. Plan for delays, especially in summer!
Swiss Airport Wait Times
Geneva and Zurich, though smaller than the mega-hubs like London or Paris, still handle significant international traffic from non-Schengen countries.
While not yet reporting the extreme 5-hour waits seen at other European hubs, pilot programs and early observations suggest average processing times for non-Schengen arrivals at Swiss airports extend to 60-90 minutes, and potentially longer during peak travel periods, leading to bottlenecks.
One reader on my Facebook group said this
Of course, many had much smooth transitions ranging from 15-45 minutes as well.
We pride ourselves on efficiency here, so seeing such widespread chaos brewing is a real concern for the travel industry.
It also affects Switzerland’s reputation for seamless, enjoyable travel.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do? If you’re traveling with or hosting non-EU/EEA/Swiss friends or family:
- Factor in extra time. And then add some more. Seriously, if you have a connecting flight, leave ample buffer.
- Stay informed. Check airport websites and airline updates. Things are still evolving.
- Be patient. It’s frustrating, but airport staff are often just as overwhelmed.
The pushback from airports and airlines is strong. They’re asking for simplified processes, more automation, and proper resources to make this work.
Because right now, what’s happening is just not acceptable. We need a system that enhances security without bringing travel to a grinding halt.
Here’s hoping they listen, and quickly. Because a relaxed coffee chat shouldn’t be the only part of your travel experience that’s smooth sailing.
