New EU border system tripling time at passport control, airport boss says
The European Union's new Entry Exit System (EES) is causing significant delays at airports, with some travelers reporting wait times tripled. While the European Commission claims disruption is limited, airlines like Ryanair have warned passengers to expect extended queues due to the new digital fingerprint and photo registration requirements.
Why it matters
The implementation of this border technology highlights the friction between enhanced security measures and the efficiency of international travel for non-EU citizens.
Image caption, People in queue for the Entry Exit System process after landing at Fuimicino Airport in Rome, Italy, in mid-July
Transport correspondent Published 12 minutes ago The EU's new border system has nearly tripled the time it's taking for Brits to get through passport control even after improvements have been made, a boss at Rome's main airport has said.
It comes as Ryanair has warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.
Border police at Portugal's Faro airport also told the BBC the Entry Exit System technology suffered from bugs, but insisted any queues there would go down quickly.
The European Commission (EC) has said in most EU airports disruption is limited, and added that it will continue to support member states in the system's implementation.
It added: "This support will continue to the fullest extent possible."
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