UK Travel Industry Calls for Emergency Action
Airports across the Schengen Area say the biometric system, which requires fingerprinting and facial registration of non-EU travellers, is already causing long delays and could lead to hours-long queues during July and August.
Biometric Border Checks Under Scrutiny
Under the EES, most British travellers entering Europe must be registered with fingerprints and photographs. Although the system was softly launched in October, travel companies report inconsistent enforcement across EU member states.
Currently, border authorities are required to register only 35% of incoming passengers, but from 10 April all eligible travellers are expected to complete the process.
Despite built-in contingency powers allowing border officials to scale back checks or temporarily suspend the system, airports say these measures are not being applied consistently.
Delays Already Reaching Three Hours
The airport trade body Airports Council International (ACI) has reported delays of up to three hours at major European airports, particularly in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy.
ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec warned that the combination of staff shortages and the EES rollout could lead to queues of up to five hours at peak travel times.
UK Travel Industry Calls for Emergency Action
The UK travel association Abta has called on EU authorities to ensure border staff actively use contingency measures to prevent excessive delays.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer has written to EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner, urging closer monitoring of the system and additional border staff during busy periods.
Confusion Over Summer Extension
A spokesperson for the European Commission said contingency measures would remain available for at least 90 days after the April deadline, suggesting a possible extension into the summer. However, airport operators say they have received no formal confirmation.
Lisbon Suspends EES After Seven-Hour Queues
Queues at Lisbon Airport reportedly reached seven hours before the New Year, prompting Portuguese authorities to temporarily suspend the system. Airport groups say technical issues with self-service kiosks remain widespread.
Currently, only Sweden allows travellers to pre-register via a mobile app.
Eurostar and Eurotunnel Await Full Rollout
In the UK, Eurotunnel has begun phased implementation of EES for coaches and freight, while tourist vehicles are still awaiting clearance from French authorities.
Eurostar has installed new EES kiosks at London’s St Pancras International station but has not yet activated them, with checks still being carried out manually
