Long Airport Queues Loom as New EU Border Control System Rolls Out

• New biometric border control system leads to significant delays at European airports.
• Passengers report wait times of up to five hours at peak travel periods.
• The Entry-Exit System (EES) is designed to streamline border checks using biometric data.
• Airports are struggling to adapt, with reports of malfunctioning machines and insufficient staff.
• The European Commission is considering temporary suspensions of the new system during busy times.
• Travelers are advised to prepare for long waits and bring refreshments, especially during holidays.

As the holiday season approaches, travelers flying into Europe are bracing for potentially lengthy waits at airports due to the introduction of a new biometric border control system. The Entry-Exit System (EES) aims to modernize border checks by collecting biometric information from non-EU travelers, including fingerprints and photographs. However, the rollout has not been smooth, leading to reports of long queues and frustrated passengers at several major airports across the continent.

In recent weeks, passengers arriving at Geneva Airport have reported waiting for hours to clear passport control. The airport, a popular gateway for winter sports enthusiasts, has attributed the congestion to the new EES implementation. A spokesperson indicated that the system has created significant challenges, particularly during peak travel times like weekends. Typically, when multiple flights land in quick succession, the bottleneck at passport control becomes especially pronounced.

Similar scenes have unfolded at Tenerife Airport in the Canary Islands, where travelers arriving from the UK have faced long lines due to the EES. Andrew Knight, who operates a car hire service at the airport, noted that while some passengers have breezed through passport control in about 20 minutes, others have been left waiting for up to two hours. This inconsistency has led to frustration among those hoping to enjoy some winter sun.

The EES is designed to replace the traditional ink stamps in passports, requiring non-EU citizens to register their biometric data upon their first entry into the Schengen area. This data is then stored for three years, allowing for quicker processing during future visits. However, the system is still in the early stages of its rollout, with only half of the designated border points currently operational. As a result, many travelers have found themselves caught in lengthy lines as they navigate the new technology.

Olivier Jankovec, the director general of Airports Council International Europe, expressed concerns about the increased processing times at border control, which have reportedly risen four to five times longer than before the EES was implemented. He emphasized that issues such as insufficient border staff and malfunctioning machines have contributed to the delays. Jankovec warned that if these challenges are not addressed, travelers could face waits of up to six hours during the upcoming summer holiday season.

The European Commission has acknowledged the difficulties arising from the new system. Markus Lammert, a spokesperson for Internal Affairs, stated that while the EES has processed approximately 23 million entries and exits, there have also been around 12,000 refusals of entry. He insisted that the system has largely functioned without major issues, but he recognized the need for ongoing improvements. Starting from April 10, the EES is expected to be fully operational at all designated border points, but member states will have the option to temporarily suspend the system during peak periods to alleviate congestion.

Travel industry representatives have called for better planning and coordination among border control authorities to prevent passengers from becoming trapped in lengthy delays. The travel association ABTA has noted that authorities are not fully utilizing their ability to reduce checks when necessary, which has exacerbated the situation at airports. Julia Lo Bue-Said, who leads a travel agent network, advised travelers to prepare for long waits, particularly during busy holiday periods. She suggested bringing refreshments and activities to keep children occupied during potential delays.

The EES is part of a broader trend toward automated border control systems, which have been gradually adopted across the globe. These systems utilize biometric data to verify travelers' identities, aiming to expedite the border crossing process. However, the implementation of such technology has not been without its challenges, as evidenced by the current situation at European airports.

As travelers make their plans for the upcoming holiday seasons, they will need to remain vigilant and adaptable. The combination of a new border control system and the surge in holiday travel could create a perfect storm for lengthy airport delays. With the European Commission and airport authorities working to address these issues, it remains to be seen how effective their efforts will be in ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.

The EES is not only a technological advancement but also a significant shift in how border security is managed in Europe. The system is part of a wider strategy to enhance security and facilitate the movement of people across borders. By collecting biometric data, European authorities aim to better track entries and exits, thereby improving national security and reducing illegal immigration. However, the implementation process has raised questions about the balance between security and efficiency, especially during high-traffic periods.

Moreover, the reliance on technology has highlighted the need for adequate infrastructure and training for border staff. As airports adapt to the new system, the importance of having enough personnel to manage the flow of travelers cannot be overstated. Reports of malfunctioning machines further complicate the situation, as they contribute to longer wait times and increased frustration among passengers.

The EES is also expected to have long-term implications for travel patterns in Europe. As travelers become accustomed to the new system, there may be shifts in how and when people choose to travel. For instance, if delays continue to be a significant issue, some travelers may opt for alternative routes or travel times to avoid peak congestion. This potential change in behavior could have ripple effects on airlines, travel agencies, and local economies that rely on tourism.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0k699pxwzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss, https://en.wikipedia.org/?curid=56517759