New EU Digital Border System Causes Long Delays for Israeli Travelers

Israeli travelers flying to Europe are facing significant delays and operational challenges due to the new Entry Exit System (EES) implemented at major European airports. This digital biometric system, which records fingerprints and facial images of non-EU citizens upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area, has led to long queues and technical issues, disrupting passenger flow and causing some to miss connecting flights.

Airports such as Rome's Fiumicino and Faro in Portugal report average processing times for non-EU travelers increasing from seven to twenty minutes or more, with some waits extending beyond thirty minutes. Despite investments in self-service kiosks, airport officials acknowledge the system remains cumbersome and buggy. Pedro Oliveira, head of border control at Faro Airport, admitted to technical glitches causing prolonged wait times. Ryanair has labeled the rollout a "failure," advising passengers to arrive much earlier than usual.

The EES was gradually introduced starting October 2023 to strengthen border controls within the 29 Schengen countries. However, its reliance on centralized EU IT infrastructure means a single technical fault can disrupt multiple airports simultaneously. Although the aviation industry has urged a pause during peak travel periods, the European Commission continues to advance the system's deployment, promising ongoing support to member states.

Israeli travelers are advised to prepare for longer waits at European airports and to monitor airline updates before departing from Ben Gurion Airport. The new bureaucratic procedures represent a notable change in the travel experience for Israelis visiting Europe, emphasizing the need for patience and early arrival at airports.