Europe's New Border System to Cause Significant Delays for Israeli Travelers

Israeli travelers planning trips to Europe should prepare for potential significant delays starting September 6th, as a new European border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is fully implemented. This system replaces passport stamps with digital border crossings and requires biometric data collection, including facial images and fingerprints, for non-EU/Schengen citizens.

Previously, border officials could temporarily ease procedures during peak times to mitigate long queues. However, this flexibility mechanism will cease on September 6th, raising concerns about extended waiting periods. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that EES checks could take approximately 90 seconds per passenger, compared to the previous 20-25 seconds for a standard passport check, potentially leading to queues of up to five hours in busy airports.

Summer travel already saw disruptions due to EES implementation in popular destinations like Spain, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, with specific issues reported at airports in Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Bergamo, Krakow, and Beauvais (near Paris). Major airports in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam are also expected to face increased scrutiny.

For Israelis, particularly those with short connecting flights within Europe, these delays pose a significant risk of missing their next flight. Industry representatives advise travelers to allocate considerably more time for connections and, if possible, avoid very short layovers. Arriving excessively early at the airport may not always be beneficial, as check-in and baggage drop counters might not yet be open.