Italy and Portugal may become the next nations to abandon the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks at airports. These new regulations have already triggered significant disruption for British holidaymakers traveling to continental Europe.
Border Disruptions and System Failures
The EES requires travelers from external countries, including the UK, to provide fingerprints and have their photographs taken to enter the Schengen Area. The rollout has led to substantial delays at various airport passport desks.
In one instance last month, more than 100 easyJet passengers at Milan Linate airport missed their flight to Manchester due to these delays.
National Responses to EES Chaos
Greece has already suspended the new rules for UK holidaymakers until September following the emergence of huge queues. Portugal is reportedly already waving passengers through when queues become too large.
Italy is expected to follow the example set by Greece, potentially allowing entry via passport stamps as the May half-term approach. Travel experts suggest that other nations, including Spain, France, and Croatia, could eventually take similar actions.
Industry Impact and Airline Changes
Seamus McCauley of the travel company Holiday Extras described the rollout as an utter fiasco
. He noted that since Greece broke ranks and Portugal continues to suspend rules, the entire system could potentially collapse like a house of cards
.
In response to the queues, Ryanair has announced a change to its airport check-in and bag-drop services. Starting November 10, these services will close one hour before a flight’s scheduled departure, rather than the current 40-minute window.
This adjustment, which requires passengers to finish the process 20 minutes earlier, aims to reduce the very small number of passengers
who miss flights while stuck in queues. Ryanair has warned on its website that those who fail to check in on time may be denied boarding without refund
.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a border system that requires people from external countries, such as the UK, to have their photographs taken and fingerprints registered to enter the Schengen Area.
Which countries have already modified their EES enforcement?
Greece has ditched the rules for UK holidaymakers until September, and airports in Portugal are reportedly waving passengers through if queues become too large.
How is Ryanair changing its policies due to these delays?
From November 10, Ryanair will close check-in and bag-drop services one hour before departure (20 minutes earlier than the current 40-minute limit) to allow more time for security and passport checks.
Do you consider the convenience of tourism should outweigh the implementation of new border security systems?
