EES Border Controls: Burnham Urged to Lobby EU Leaders 2026

The EES border control system is causing significant delays for British holidaymakers, and Andy Burnham has been urged to lobby EU leaders to suspend it. Over 2.2 million UK travellers are heading abroad this peak weekend, with many facing long queues and missed flights due to the new entry-exit system.

What Is the EES Border Control System?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated EU border system that registers non-EU citizens, including British tourists, by taking their photograph and fingerprints upon entry. It has been technically in full force since April, though border police have temporarily relaxed checks during extreme delays. Despite this, many passengers still experience hours-long waits.

Why Andy Burnham Is Being Urged to Act

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller called on the Prime Minister to directly lobby EU leaders to waive the EES until at least September. Miller argued that the "bungled, malfunctioning border system" is beyond travellers' control and threatens to ruin holidays. He cited the disastrous Brexit deal as a root cause, putting millions of Britons at risk of disruption.

Key Statistics on Travel Chaos

Abta, the travel association, reported that Spain is the top destination this weekend, followed by Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey. Greece has already indicated it will not impose the additional biometric checks on UK nationals, who make up the majority of its non-EU tourists. However, other countries continue to enforce the system, leading to uneven delays.

What Can Travellers Do to Avoid Delays?

• Arrive early – Allow at least 3–4 hours before your flight for EU destinations.
• Check your destination – Some countries like Greece may not fully enforce EES; verify before travel.
• Prepare documents – Have your passport ready and fill out any pre-arrival forms if available.
• Consider alternative routes – Fly to non-EU countries or use airports with shorter queues.

Political and Economic Impact

The EES is not only a travel headache but also a political flashpoint. The Liberal Democrats are using the chaos to attack the government's handling of Brexit and border relations. Meanwhile, hauliers face their own delays at freight terminals, adding supply chain costs. Burnham, as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has influence but no direct power over EU policy; his call for EU leaders to act may be more symbolic than effective.

What Experts Say

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer advised passengers to leave plenty of time. "For many heading overseas, this will be the first experience of EES, and for some it may take longer than usual to get through passport control," he said. The travel industry hopes for a temporary suspension to ease summer pressure.

FAQ

With millions of holidays at stake, the coming days will test whether EU leaders respond to British political pressure. Stay informed and plan ahead to minimize the impact of the EES border control system on your summer travels.