Some European countries are not required to introduce the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) at their borders because they are not part of the Schengen free movement zone, according to a round-up of EES-free destinations.
EES requires passengers to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial imagery, upon first entry into Schengen Area countries before passport control. The system has been experiencing teething issues, with blame exchanged between industry leaders over matters including airports not having enough staff and the design of EES causing wait times at borders to increase.
While some destinations have implemented EES without too much disruption, others have struggled, meaning some travellers have spent the start of their holidays in hours-long queues.
Countries listed as not required to introduce EES at their borders include Cyprus, which is in the EU but has not fully integrated into the Schengen Zone; Ireland, which has an exceptional agreement to opt out of Schengen rules; and Albania, described as a more affordable alternative to Greece or Croatia.
The list also includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Moldova, none of which are part of the Schengen free movement zone.