The delay in fully implementing the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) could lead to longer wait times for travelers entering the Schengen area, particularly at busy airports and border crossings. This development comes as nine European countries, including France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal, request additional time to set up the required biometric checks.
The EES, introduced to enhance security by recording fingerprints and facial images of non-EU travelers, has faced a series of setbacks since its official launch last October. Technical and operational challenges, especially at major travel hubs, have hindered its full roll-out. While Spain has successfully navigated these hurdles and moved forward with full implementation, other nations like Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium are still working to get their systems fully operational.
Despite these delays, some progress has been made. Biometric checks have begun at certain locations like the Eurostar terminals in Brussels and Antwerp port. Major international airports such as Frankfurt and Schiphol have also started conducting these checks, although smaller airports continue to grapple with infrastructure limitations.
The system has already registered around 200 million entries and has effectively stopped approximately 70,000 people from entering the Schengen area. These include individuals without the necessary visas, those who overstayed their permitted time, and people using fake identity documents. However, the International Air Transport Association has expressed concerns about potential delays caused by the system, and airlines are worried that lengthy queues could become problematic during peak travel seasons.
To mitigate these issues, a pre-travel application called Travel to Europe is being rolled out. This app allows travelers to submit their passport details and facial images before reaching the border, helping to streamline the process. Currently, the application is operational in Sweden and Portugal, with plans to extend its availability to more countries.