Security04:27 · 7h ago

New European Border System Causes Hours-Long Airport Queues Amid Tourism Surge

MakoCenter

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

Key points

01The European Entry/Exit System launched in April 2024 causes hours-long queues at major Schengen airports.
02Technical issues and staff shortages disrupt the biometric data collection process for non-Schengen visitors.
03IATA requested a summer suspension of the system, but the EU Commission refused to avoid exit complications.
04Some countries outside Schengen do not use the system; Sweden and Portugal allow partial pre-registration via apps.
05Italian airports sometimes suspend the system temporarily, reverting to manual passport stamping.
06By July, the system processed 110 million entries, blocking 45,000 irregular travelers.

In this story

OrganizationsEuropean Union, International Air Transport Association, IATA, Ryanair, EU Commission

PlacesEurope, Schengen Area, Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Ireland, Cyprus, Sweden

The story · English

Since April 2024, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been implemented across 29 Schengen area airports, including major hubs like Rome, Lisbon, and Amsterdam. Designed to streamline border control by collecting biometric data from non-Schengen visitors, the system instead has caused significant delays, with some travelers facing queues lasting up to five hours. The EES aims to enhance security by monitoring entry and exit times to prevent illegal immigration and terrorism threats, storing biometric data for three years to facilitate faster future entries.

Despite its intended efficiency, technical glitches and staff shortages have hampered the system's rollout. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the European Union to suspend the EES during the peak summer travel season to avoid further disruptions, but the EU Commission rejected this request, citing complications that would arise for travelers exiting Europe. Airlines like Ryanair have warned passengers, especially from the UK, to expect long waits due to the system.

Some countries, such as Ireland and Cyprus, which are EU members but outside Schengen, have not adopted the system, while Sweden and Portugal offer partial pre-registration via apps. In extreme cases, Italian airports have temporarily suspended the EES and reverted to manual passport stamping to manage overcrowding, though this is only permitted for limited periods. The EU has postponed the launch of the ETIAS pre-visa registration program, initially planned to complement the EES, due to these ongoing issues.

By early July, the EES had processed 110 million entries and exits, identifying 45,000 irregular travelers. The EU Commission maintains that the system protects EU citizens and minimizes inconvenience for legitimate travelers, despite current "growing pains." Israeli tourists in Europe have reported mixed experiences, reflecting the system's inconsistent performance across airports.

Read the original at Mako