Travellers planning holidays in Europe this year may face longer queues at some border points due to the introduction of the new Entry-Exit System (EES). This system mandates passengers to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial imagery, upon their initial entry into Schengen Area countries.
However, six European countries are not required to implement the EES as they are not part of the Schengen free movement zone. These destinations include Cyprus, Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Moldova.
Cyprus and Ireland, both EU members, have not fully integrated into the Schengen Zone or have exceptional agreements to opt out of Schengen rules, respectively. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Moldova are also not subject to the EES rollout.