If you’re setting out for holiday travel, there are some important updates to know about. As of Dec. 22, travel to and from Czechia is facing a combination of seasonal pressure and new regulatory changes that affect both land and air travel.
Entry/Exit System strains European airports
Air travelers across Europe are facing longer waits and mounting frustration this holiday season as the Schengen Area’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to impact airport operations. The system, which came into effect on Oct. 12, 2025, records biometric data from non-EU visitors and automatically flags overstays.
EES primarily impacts non-EU citizens (including UK and US nationals) traveling for short stays of up to 90 days, whereas non-EU nationals with valid residence permits or long-stay visas are generally exempt from EES registration. However, exempted travelers often have to stand in the same physical queue as the tourists who are currently causing the EES-related backlogs.
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Summary for: Border checks and EES hold-ups: What to expect traveling to and from Czechia
