New EU Entry Exit System Launches, Causing Anticipated Delays

The new Entry Exit System (EES) is now in effect, prompting UK travelers to anticipate longer wait times at border controls when visiting Schengen countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy. As of today, travelers from third-party nations, including the UK, will have their fingerprints registered and photographs taken upon entering the Schengen area, which includes 29 European countries.

Travel experts are advising passengers to prepare for potential delays, with an estimated wait time of up to four hours at major airports in southern Europe during this initial rollout. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, noted that travelers should allocate significant time for navigating the new system. “Delays should be anticipated,” she stated, especially during peak travel times when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

As travelers adjust to the new procedures, Lo Bue-Said expressed optimism that the situation would stabilize over the coming weeks. “We foresee potentially overwhelming volumes of travelers during the initial roll-out,” she added. Rory Boland, editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, echoed these concerns, advising passengers to plan for longer waits upon arrival. “You should allow more time when you land by booking later transfers or other onward travel,” Boland recommended.

The UK Home Office has indicated that the additional checks should take only one to two minutes to complete, but they may contribute to longer wait times during busy periods. For UK travelers departing from London’s St Pancras railway station, the Port of Dover, and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal, EES checks will be conducted before boarding international services. New kiosks have been installed at these locations, although not all passengers will be required to use them immediately.

The implementation of the EES is being phased in, with participating countries initially expected to apply the system to a portion of their arrivals. Full adoption is slated for April 10, 2024. Once registered, a traveler’s EES details will remain valid for three years, although verification will occur at each entry during that period. This system is designed to eliminate the need for border officers to stamp passports, streamlining the travel process.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the travel trade organization Abta, emphasized the long-term benefits of the EES. “In the longer term, EES should make processes quicker and simpler for travel to Europe,” he remarked. However, he cautioned that travelers might experience delays in the short term, particularly during peak travel times. “Countries will be stepping up their processes gradually and have the option to stand down the system to avoid significant and lengthy waiting times,” Tanzer noted, urging vigilance from border authorities to manage potential congestion effectively.

As the EES becomes fully operational, travelers are advised to remain aware of the changes and be prepared for varying wait times at border controls. The successful integration of this new system will depend on both government readiness and the adaptability of travelers navigating these new procedures.