The EU's New Border Control System: A Recipe for Long Airport Queues?
The European Union's digital Entry Exit System (EES) is set to revolutionize border control, but at what cost? This new system, which aims to replace traditional ink stamps on passports, has already sparked concerns among travelers and industry experts alike.
Here's the lowdown:
- Registration Process: Non-EU citizens will need to register their fingerprints, a photo, and have their passport scanned the first time they enter the Schengen Area. This registration lasts for three years.
- Air Travel Impact: Air travelers will encounter this process upon arrival at European airports, typically using automated machines or kiosks. Their details will be verified for future entries.
- Implementation Phase: The EES is currently undergoing a gradual introduction period that began in October. As of now, half of border points are operational, and at least a third of non-EU passengers are using the system.
The Bottlenecks:
- Increased Processing Times: According to Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International Europe, passenger processing times at border control have skyrocketed under EES, with people waiting up to two hours. This is a significant increase from previous wait times.
- Staff and Machine Shortfalls: Jankovec highlights issues like insufficient border staff and malfunctioning machines as contributing factors to the delays.
- Summer Concerns: The situation is expected to worsen during peak travel periods like Easter and summer, when large numbers of holidaymakers register.
The Commission's Perspective:
Markus Lammert, European Commission Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, offers a more optimistic view. He claims that the system has operated "largely without issues" and that member states will continue to work on improvements.
- Widespread Adoption: From April 10th, the EES is set to be in use at every border point for every eligible passenger.
- Flexibility for Countries: However, countries can partially suspend EES operations during the summer, until September, if necessary.
The Way Forward:
Jankovec emphasizes the need for close coordination between border control authorities to ensure timely suspensions of the system during peak periods. Without such coordination, he warns of five-to-six-hour waiting times.
- ABTA's Concerns: The travel association ABTA highlights underutilized reduction strategies by border authorities, leading to passenger delays. They advocate for better planning by destinations and border authorities during peak travel periods.
Traveler Advice:
Julia Lo Bue-Said, from the travel agent network Advantage Partnership, advises travelers to prepare for long waits, especially during peak times like the February half-term and beyond.
"Plan for the worst," she recommends. "Bring refreshments and activities for children to keep them occupied during lengthy delays."
The EES's potential impact on airport queues remains a hot topic. While the European Commission believes the system will improve efficiency, others argue that it may exacerbate existing challenges. The coming months will reveal whether the EES lives up to its promise of streamlined border control or becomes a source of frustration for travelers across Europe.
