EES Postpones French E-Gate Access for UK and US Residents
Residents of France who are British or American currently face difficulties using the Parafe passport e-gates at major airports and border points. These challenges arise from ongoing technical issues, which experts anticipate may not be resolved until summer.
E-Gate Access Postponed for UK and US Residents
As the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) prepares for broader implementation, non-EU nationals living in France are unable to take advantage of e-gate access. The rollout of the EES system aims to register all relevant travelers by April, yet this technical setback could result in long queues for non-EU passport holders.
Current Situation for E-Gate Users
The delays affect both the use of e-gates and the operation of EES pre-registration devices at numerous border points, including airports and ports. Travelers are currently required to complete all EES-related procedures at the traditional border guards’ desks, leading to longer wait times.
- Pre-registration devices are not functioning at several major entry points.
- Non-EU passport holders must go through old processes while EES integration is ongoing.
Plans for Future Access
The intention was for the Parafe gates to be compatible with the EES by the end of March. This adjustment would allow residents to bypass the regular non-EU lanes, easing congestion during busy travel periods. However, uncertainties remain regarding the exact timeline for when these updates will be fully implemented.
Insights from French Authorities
The French airports authority, UAF, reported that while some EU nations had already integrated Parafe with EES, France continues to experience delays. Updates to the system were expected to be rolled out early in the year. However, the status of the kiosks remains a concern, and full functionality is not anticipated until significant technical improvements have been made.
Implementation Timeline
All EU member states are expected to fully implement the EES by April 10. Nonetheless, the regulations permit temporary suspensions of biometric data collection during peak hours, which could lead to further disparities in service:
- Temporary suspensions of up to six hours may be enacted.
- Notification to the European Commission is required for any suspensions.
Recent Experiences at Nice Airport
Recent feedback from travelers has highlighted ongoing issues at Nice airport concerning Parafe gate access. For instance, British residents have reported being denied access to the automated gates despite holding residency cards. Instead, they were diverted to lengthy non-EU lines where biometric data was collected multiple times.
Another traveler noted that e-gates designed for French passport holders were experiencing malfunctions, further complicating the border crossing process.
The current situation has led to widespread frustration among residents. While there is hope for resolution with the upcoming updates, many are left waiting for a functioning system that accommodates non-EU nationals.
