Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, has rated his concern level for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at a striking 'eight or nine' out of 10. This stark assessment comes as Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports threaten to suspend the digital border system, fearing a 'disaster' during the impending peak summer tourism months. For the millions of British citizens who regularly visit the Schengen area, particularly Italy, this development signals potential turbulence ahead.
The EES, which became fully operational on April 10, 2026, was designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU citizens, including those travelling from the UK. Its core function is to register biometric details – fingerprints and a photo – upon a traveller's first entry into the Schengen area. The system aims to automate the tracking of the 90-day visa-free stay within any 180-day period. There is no cost for EES registration, nor do travellers need to take any action before arriving at the border.
What Changed and Why It Matters Now
The shift from manual stamps to biometric registration represents a significant procedural change at the border. While intended to enhance security and efficiency in the long term, the initial rollout has been fraught with operational challenges. Mr. Troncone's concerns are not isolated; he argues the system is 'incompatible with the peak volumes' expected, suggesting that allowing passengers to bypass biometric checks is 'the only way' to avoid chaos.
Indeed, the EES has already demonstrated its capacity for disruption. French police temporarily suspended extra checks at the Port of Dover in May, and Greece reportedly reneged on a promise to exempt UK travellers from biometric checks until September. Anecdotal evidence from some travellers points to delays of 4-6 hours at busy crossings, a stark contrast to the promised efficiency.
"We are very worried for the summer. The process proves to be incompatible with the peak volumes that we are going to face. So the only way is to open up the valve. There is no way that we can deliver 100 per cent of the enrolment."
— Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma
The European Commission, for its part, maintains that the EES is 'fully operational across all Schengen countries and works well,' adding that the rules provide for 'flexibility to ensure border fluidity.' However, this official optimism contrasts sharply with the on-the-ground realities reported by airport executives. Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, noted that automated booths frequently malfunction, often forcing passengers who have previously passed through EES to repeat checks, exacerbating congestion.
The UK Traveller's Perspective: Numbers and Risks
British residents made an estimated 94.6 million visits abroad in 2024, spending approximately £78.6 billion. Italy was a particularly popular destination, accounting for 4.8 million visits by residents of Great Britain in the same year. The average length of a European visit was 7.6 nights, with an average daily spend of £94. These figures underscore the significant volume of UK travellers who stand to be directly affected by any EES-related disruptions.
The primary risk for these travellers is the potential for substantial delays. Longer queues could lead to missed flights, disrupted itineraries, and increased stress, particularly during the busy summer period when travel volumes surge. While the system itself carries no direct cost for travellers, the indirect costs of delays – such as rebooking fees or lost holiday time – could be considerable.
What this means for you
If you are a UK passport holder planning a trip to the Schengen area, particularly Italy, in the coming months, you should prepare for potential delays at border control. While Rome's airports are threatening to suspend parts of the EES, the system is officially in place. This means you should factor in extra time for your journey through airports, ferry ports, and train stations like Eurostar. Check your airline and airport websites for the latest operational advice before you travel. Remember, there is no pre-registration required for EES, and any website currently selling ETIAS authorisation is fraudulent, as ETIAS is not expected to be operational until the last quarter of 2026.
What Happens Next?
The immediate future of EES implementation, particularly in Rome, remains fluid. Stefan Schulte, President of ACI Europe, highlighted that the decision to suspend the system rests with individual EU governments, not the airports themselves. Uku Sarekanno, Frontex Deputy Executive Director, has suggested it could take 'one to two years' for the EES to stabilise, and importantly, confirmed that member states have leeway to suspend biometric checks during busy periods until September.
This suggests a period of continued uncertainty and potential ad-hoc adjustments at various borders. Travellers should remain vigilant for official announcements from their chosen airports and airlines. The UK government has stated it is engaging with the European Commission to minimise disruption for British travellers, but the onus remains on individuals to be prepared.
Where to Get Help
- For official guidance on EES and ETIAS, consult the GOV.UK website.
- Check the websites of your specific airline and departure/arrival airports for real-time operational updates.
Sources
- Aeroporti di Roma (Marco Troncone, CEO) — concerns over EES compatibility
- ACI Europe (Stefan Schulte, President; Olivier Jankovec, Director General) — operational issues and government decision-making
- European Commission spokesperson — EES status and flexibility
- Frontex (Uku Sarekanno, Deputy Executive Director) — EES stabilisation timeline and member state leeway
- GOV.UK — EES advice for travellers and ETIAS fraud warning
- Official data on UK visits abroad and spend in 2024 — UK residents' travel statistics
This is not financial advice. Seek independent financial guidance. Interest on standard accounts may be subject to tax above your Personal Savings Allowance.