The Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing unexpected queues at Portugal airports, but Brits can help reduce wait times by doing one thing before they head to their destination airport07:25, 29 May 2026Temperatures may be rising across the UK, but that hasn't stopped Brits from dreaming of long summer days overseas, soaking up different cultures and tucking into mouth-watering cuisine.‌However, travellers heading to Portugal or Sweden this year have been put on notice there's something they must do before touching down at their destination airport, or risk facing serious hold-ups upon arrival. There's an app called Travel to Europe, which is free to download from app stores, and will shortly be rolled out across the entire Schengen area. This summer, though, it's essential that Brits get it downloaded to sidestep enormous queues.‌A new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated digital border control system operated by the European Union, is causing unexpected backlogs.‌It logs the entry, exit, and refusal of entry for non-EU nationals — British citizens included — travelling to the Schengen Area for short stays, replacing the traditional manual stamping of passports.The app generates a QR code confirming that you've already responded to questions about your visit — including how much money you'll have access to during your trip, how much cash you're carrying, and whether you've pre-booked accommodation.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌TikTok user @wadebeyondtravel broke down how the system operates. She said: "Are you sick of the queues when you get to Europe for the EES? If you are, then you're gonna wanna hear this."So the EU have quietly released a travel app that allows you to register your biometrics before you travel, and then when you get to the other end, you will go through passport control really easily."She noted that currently, it's only operational in Portugal and Sweden, meaning travellers to other nations may still face lengthy queues.‌That said, additional countries will be rolled out soon, so it's essential to enable notifications on the app to stay informed about where it's being introduced next.But what exactly does the app do? It streamlines border control by allowing you to voluntarily pre-register your passport, complete a facial scan, and respond to entry questions up to 72 hours before you arrive.The questions cover matters such as the purpose of your visit and when you intend to leave, including whether you've got a return ticket booked.‌You're also able to add fellow travellers to your app, meaning not everyone in your group needs to download it themselves, provided they can answer the same questions.It then produces a QR code that can be scanned at self-service border kiosks. Bear in mind this doesn't replace traditional face-to-face border checks, but it can dramatically cut down waiting times in packed queues.If you're curious about who has access to your personal information, the Travel to Europe website explains: "Before you submit your journey, only you have access to your personal data.Article continues below"The border authorities of the country you have selected for your journey will only see it once you submit your journey. Any unsubmitted draft versions will be automatically deleted after 7 days. The EES guarantees that your personal data is protected under EU data protection law."