Understanding the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES)
The European Union has implemented a new digital border control system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), which has prompted warnings of potential travel delays, particularly during peak holiday periods. This system, which began its rollout in October last year and is now fully operational, applies to non-EU citizens entering and exiting the Schengen free movement zone, encompassing 29 European countries.
EES replaces the traditional manual stamping of passports by tracking the entry and exit of 'third country' nationals, including those from the UK. Under the new regulations, travelers are required to register biometric information, specifically fingerprints and a photograph, in addition to a passport scan, at passport control.
How EES Affects Air Travelers
For UK citizens flying to popular destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the biometric registration process typically occurs at automated kiosks upon arrival. This information is then verified when they depart. While most travelers will use these kiosks, certain passengers, including children under 12, will have their passports checked by border staff directly.
The introduction of EES has raised concerns about increased waiting times at border controls due to the time required for biometric registration. While some airports have managed the system effectively, others have reported queues lasting several hours. An airline trade body, IATA, has even cautioned that some queues could extend to six hours. Issues cited by travel experts and industry figures include technological glitches and insufficient border staffing. There have also been instances where individuals have had to re-register their biometric information.
The UK head of Wizz Air has advised passengers to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure for return flights. Some travelers have already missed flights because EES checks caused delays preventing them from reaching their gates in time. The response from airlines regarding holding flights for delayed passengers varies, with some committing to waiting where feasible, while others, like Ryanair, have stated they will not.
Greece has temporarily suspended biometric checks for British visitors during the peak summer period, a measure allowed by the European Commission under "exceptional circumstances that lead to excessive waiting times" until September. Improvements are also underway in some heavily affected areas, with Portugal, for example, announcing an increase in border staff for July. Airports recommend that passengers adhere to their airline's advice regarding arrival times for flights back to the UK.
Impact on Ferry and Train Services
At specific locations, such as Dover's ferry port, Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal, and Eurostar's St Pancras rail terminus, French border police conduct passport checks before travelers leave the UK. These locations have installed numerous automated EES processing machines, though they are not yet in routine use, with border staff currently handling parts of the process.
Despite biometric data not yet being collected at Dover, significant queues of cars formed during the May half-term holidays, leading French border authorities to temporarily suspend the process. For coaches, vehicles will be sealed after passengers complete EES checks, before proceeding to the ferry terminal.
A mobile phone application has been developed to allow passengers to complete part of the EES process prior to reaching the border. However, this app is currently only utilized by Sweden for passport data and photo registration, and by Portugal for an entry questionnaire.
Future Developments: ETIAS
Beyond EES, the EU is also preparing to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a new visa waiver system linked to passports. This system will require citizens from non-EU countries who do not need a visa for EU entry, including UK citizens, to apply online for travel authorization before their journey. ETIAS is slated to commence by the end of 2026, though a definitive start date has not been confirmed. The application will cost €20 (£17.47) and be valid for three years, with applicants under 18 and over 70 exempt from the fee.
Source: BBC News