Europe’s New Entry/Exit System (EES) Faces Major Growing Pains: What Travelers Need to Know
The European Union’s highly anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) is running into significant operational challenges, causing significant delays and frustration for travelers. designed to enhance border security and streamline travel for non-EU citizens, the rollout has been plagued by technical issues and logistical hurdles. As a long-time observer of European travel and border policies, I’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what the future holds.
what is the EES and Why Was It Introduced?
The EES is a new automated system that registers travel data of non-EU nationals each time they cross an EU external border. It aims to:
* Replace manual passport stamping with a digital record.
* Improve the detection of overstayers and potential security threats.
* Streamline border crossings for legitimate travelers in the long run.
Upon arrival, travelers from outside the EU are required to register personal data and provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at self-service kiosks, with border guards available for assistance. This data is stored in a central EU-wide database.
The Rocky Rollout: Delays and Disruption
Despite years of planning, the EES launch has been anything but smooth. Initial implementation was delayed multiple times due to IT infrastructure concerns. A phased rollout was adopted, intending to address issues as they arose, but the reality has been far from ideal.
Since its launch, major queues have become commonplace at airports across Europe.Airports are reporting a staggering increase in border control processing times of up to 70%, with peak wait times reaching three hours.
Key Issues Contributing to the chaos:
* System Outages: Frequent and disruptive outages of the EES system itself.
* Configuration Problems: Technical glitches and misconfigurations hindering smooth operation.
* Kiosk Availability: Insufficient deployment and frequent unavailability of self-service kiosks.
* Automated Gate Limitations: Many airports lack fully functional Automated Border Control (ABC) gates compatible with EES processing.
* Lack of Pre-Registration: The absence of a user-kind,effective mobile app for pre-registration is a major bottleneck.
* Staffing Shortages: Insufficient numbers of border guards to manage the increased workload and assist travelers.
Airports Sound the Alarm
ACI Europe, the association of european airports, has issued a stark warning. They highlight that the current issues are already causing “significant discomfort” to travelers and impacting airport operations, even with the current registration threshold set at only 10% of non-EU nationals.
The planned increase to a 35% registration threshold on January 9th is raising serious concerns. ACI Europe warns that without immediate resolution of the existing problems,this increase will lead to:
* Severe Congestion: Even longer queues and increased delays.
* Systemic Disruption: Widespread chaos for airports and airlines.
* Potential safety Hazards: Overcrowding and stressed systems could compromise safety.
What’s Being Done?
ACI europe, along with Frontex and eu-LISA (the EU agency managing large-scale IT systems), are urging the European Commission and Schengen member states to take swift action.Possible solutions include:
* Immediate System Stabilization: Prioritizing the resolution of technical glitches and outages.
* Increased Kiosk Deployment: Rapidly deploying and maintaining a sufficient number of functional self-service kiosks.
* ABC Gate Integration: Ensuring compatibility and functionality of Automated Border Control gates.
* Pre-Registration App Development: Creating and launching a user-friendly mobile app for pre-registration.
* Flexible Rollout: Considering further flexibility in the implementation calendar to avoid overwhelming the system.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you are a non-EU national planning to travel to Europe, be prepared for possibly lengthy delays at border control.
* Allow Extra Time: Add significant buffer time to your travel plans, especially during peak periods.
* Be Patient: Border guards are doing their best to manage a challenging situation.
* Have Documents Ready: Ensure your passport and any required visas are readily accessible.
* Stay informed: Check with your airline and airport for the latest updates on E
