Travel delays in Europe

Europe's new Entry and Exit System

The EU has implemented new fingerprinting and facial recognition border controls under its new Entry and Exit System (EES). Under the new requirements non-EU citizens must register fingerprints and facial images the first time they enter the Schengen Area and then have their biometrics verified every time they leave and re-enter the Area. 

The new biometric verification requirements have led to significant queues in some locations, including popular European holiday destinations. These are expected to increase as Europe’s peak holiday season starts in July.  Travellers have reported delays and missed connections.  

See further advice about travelling in the Schengen area, including which countries are members, on our Europe and the Schengen Area page.  

Before you go

New Zealanders with travel planned to Europe should: 

• Make sure that you account for potential travel delays when booking connecting flights or onwards travel to or from a Schengen Area destination. 
• Always get travel insurance before departing.
• Familiarise yourself with the travel advice for all of your destinations. 
• Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
• Have your travel information at hand– you may need to show border officials a return or onward journey ticket to a non-Schengen Area country.
• If required, ask for advice about entry and exit requirements from your destination’s relevant embassyin New Zealand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade cannot provide advice about the entry and exit requirements of another country. 

Contact

New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.