The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is facing significant delays, prompting warnings of widespread travel disruption this summer. As the peak holiday season approaches, airports are bracing themselves for lengthy queues at border control points, which could impact millions of British holidaymakers.
Due to arrive in 2023, EES will replace manual passport stamping with an automated system recording biometric data – including fingerprints and facial scans – upon first entry. However, reports from airports indicate that essential equipment has been delivered late, and some scanners are experiencing operational issues, leading to fears the system won't be fully operational before summer.
A European airport spokesperson acknowledged 'challenges' in implementing EES, citing concerns over infrastructure and staff training. While aimed at enhancing border security, without proper preparation, it risks creating bottlenecks at already busy entry points – significantly impacting waiting times for British travellers.
EES is a separate initiative to ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), set to be introduced later. EES registers entry and exit, whereas ETIAS will require non-EU citizens to apply and pay for pre-travel authorisation before visiting the Schengen Area. If not implemented smoothly, these systems could fundamentally alter travel for UK citizens.
Airlines, airport operators and national authorities are in ongoing talks with EU officials to mitigate potential problems, but some disruption is anticipated. Travel companies advise checking entry requirements in advance and factoring extra time into border procedures.
UK travellers should check specific entry rules for their destination country and be prepared for a new registration process under EES – even if no visa is required for short stays. The FCO's current travel advice remains 'green' for most EU countries, but travellers are advised to monitor official guidance closer to their trip.
The combined impact of these systems has sparked concern that the ease of travel to popular European destinations will be significantly altered this summer. Contingency plans are being explored, but it seems some level of disruption is inevitable – particularly at high-volume airports.