New EU Border System Sparks Long Queues at Airports Across Europe
The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been gradually implemented across many popular holiday destinations since October 2025. This biometric border control process is now operational in 29 countries, including major tourist hotspots like France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. However, significant concerns have emerged regarding the system's impact on passenger waiting times at airports.
Biometric Checks Lead to Substantial Delays
The EES requires non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to register biometric details such as fingerprints and photographs when entering the Schengen Area. According to Airports Council International Europe, this new process has resulted in waiting times at border controls increasing by up to 70 percent at some transportation hubs. Passengers have reported standing in queues for as long as three hours during peak travel periods.
Alternative Destinations Outside the Schengen Zone
Fortunately, holidaymakers concerned about extended airport delays can consider destinations exempt from the EES requirements. There are 14 countries, or 15 including the United Kingdom, that are not part of the Schengen Area and therefore won't implement these biometric checks. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, has shared her recommendations for the best places to visit that avoid these border complications.
Kotor, Montenegro: A Medieval Coastal Gem
Laura describes Montenegro as 'quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe'. This Balkan nation offers beautiful beaches, excellent weather, and stunning landscapes without the crowds and high prices associated with more established European destinations. 'A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20 to 30 per cent cheaper,' she explains.
She particularly recommends Kotor, a coastal town that 'offers outstanding natural beauty, looking out onto beautiful, bright blue waters, and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe'. Travel costs remain remarkably affordable with return flights from London Gatwick to Podgorica costing just £38 per person. Accommodation starts from £23 per person per night, while a three-course meal in Kotor averages €40 (£31.78) and a pint of beer costs approximately €2.75 (£2.18). 'This is a great spot if you're after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices,' Laura concludes.
Tirana, Albania: Europe's Colourful Cultural Hub
Often called the 'Maldives of Europe', Albania attracts thousands of British tourists annually. Laura recommends its capital, Tirana, which she describes as a 'vibrant and colourful city that is bursting with culture'. She suggests exploring the city by 'taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals'.
The city also serves as a food lover's paradise with reasonable prices. Laura recommends trying Albanian specialties like Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a sponge cake dessert made with three different kinds of milk). Return flights in April from London Stansted and Liverpool John Lennon to Tirana start as low as £28, with accommodation available from just £12 per night. A three-course meal costs approximately 5,000 LEK (£45.01) per person, while a pint of beer averages 269.21 LEK (£2.42).
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Diverse Cultural Experience
The vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents another excellent option for travelers seeking to avoid EES queues. Laura notes that 'Sarajevo has one of the most diverse cultures on the continent, making it an endlessly intriguing place to visit'. She highlights that 'it is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place'.
The city boasts impressive forested mountains and valley landscapes that create a 'picture-perfect backdrop'. While slightly more expensive than the other recommended destinations, Sarajevo remains affordable with return flights from London Stansted in April starting from £39 per person and accommodation from £18 per night. Laura explains that 'its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings'. A three-course meal averages just £30 per person, and a beer costs approximately 5 KM (£2.21).
These three destinations offer British travelers attractive alternatives to Schengen Area countries currently experiencing extended border delays due to the new biometric Entry/Exit System implementation.
