The European Union has identified 20 airports and border crossings that will be particularly challenging for UK tourists under the new Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks this summer. Despite widespread reports of delays and missed connections in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Belgium, the EU has refused to suspend the system, stating that a suspension is “not needed” and “not possible”.
EU Officials Admit System Imperfections
In an update on Tuesday, EU officials acknowledged that the EES is “not perfect” but maintained that suspending the system would create an “unfortunate situation of travellers stranded at border crossings”. The bloc was urged by airlines and airports to pause the checks, but the EU remains defiant, insisting that the system must be uniform across all member states.
According to EU officials, out of 1,500 border crossing points, only 20 are considered “difficult spots”. An EU official stated: “I think we have recurrent progressive improvements everywhere.”
How the EES Works
The EES is now in place at every border for third-country nationals—anyone not holding a European passport or residence card—travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. On first entry or exit, fingerprints and a photo of the face are taken. Subsequent arrivals or departures require only one biometric check, typically the face, as it is easier than fingerprints.
The system collects passport data including surname, first name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, nationality, travel document number, the three-letter code of the issuing country, and the document expiry date. Children under 12 must also register but only a photo is taken.
Impact on UK Tourists
Reports of delays and missed connections have already emerged in several popular tourist destinations. The EU’s refusal to suspend the system means UK tourists should expect potential queues and longer processing times at the 20 identified difficult spots. Airlines and airports had urged a suspension to alleviate congestion, but the EU maintains that a patchwork approach would lead to chaos at borders.
“It is impossible to have the system open in some countries and not in others,” an EU official added, emphasising the need for consistency across the Schengen area.
