Expect Four-Hour Passport Delays from Chaotic EU Entry-Exit Rollout
Europe’s airports and airlines are sounding the alarm over potential delays for British travelers due to the rollout of the EU’s entry-exit system (EES). They warn that without immediate action, the waits could extend to four hours or more during the peak summer travel season.
Overview of the Entry-Exit System (EES)
The EES is a digital border system that requires “third-country nationals,” including UK passport holders, to provide biometric data the first time they enter the Schengen Area. This system, which began its phased rollout in October 2022, mandates that travelers submit fingerprints and facial recognition data for initial entries, while subsequent trips require only one biometric check.
Current Progress and Upcoming Challenges
As of now, at least 35% of non-EU travelers should present their biometrics at the border. However, the mixed implementation of the EES, combined with traditional passport checks, has created a backlog. This dual process leads to double the waiting times at border controls. The anticipated full rollout is set for no later than April 9, 2024.
With the half-term holidays approaching, concerns are mounting about border readiness, particularly at key locations like Geneva and the Canary Islands. Aviation leaders have expressed worries over existing delays, which have reached up to two hours even under the current system capacity.
Industry Response
A coalition of industry leaders has reached out to EU officials, urging them to suspend the EES’s implementation until the end of October 2026. They have identified three main issues contributing to the delays:
- Chronic understaffing at border control points.
- Unresolved technological challenges, particularly concerning border automation.
- Low adoption rates of the Frontex pre-registration app among Schengen states.
Industry experts warn that unless these issues are addressed, mandatory EES registration during peak months could result in significant delays, creating considerable inconvenience for travelers.
EU Position and Future Developments
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert has maintained that the EES is functioning effectively. With over 23 million entries and exits recorded and connections established at major airports, he reassured travelers that necessary adjustments are being made. Lammert noted the flexibility built into the rollout, allowing member states to extend the implementation period if necessary.
As industry frustrations continue, the upcoming summer season’s travel is under close scrutiny. Travellers and airport authorities alike are hoping for swift resolutions to ensure smoother operations and reduced wait times at entry points across Europe.
