New EU border system faces fresh pressure from airlines and airports

Airports and airlines in Europe are calling for immediate changes to the EU's new border control system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), as they continue to face criticism over the inconvenience caused to travelers. Six months after the system's full introduction, queues at border checkpoints in the Schengen area are still causing delays, with waiting times often exceeding two hours and sometimes up to five hours during peak times.

ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E) have issued a joint statement outlining six proposals to improve the system. These include eliminating double checking of information, improving biometric verification procedures, preventing duplicate EES profiles, revising the Travel to Europe app and web portal, speeding up the introduction of Automated Border Control gates, and allowing the government to temporarily suspend EES biometric registration if waiting times become too long.

The EES was introduced to modernize border checks for non-EU travelers visiting the Schengen area for short stays, aiming to enhance border security, prevent overstays, and increase efficiency. However, the aviation industry argues that the system is failing to deliver the passenger-friendly services initially expected, citing issues such as insufficient border staff, unreliable IT systems, limited use of automated passport gates, and self-service kiosks.

Despite the proposals, it is important to note that these are suggestions from the aviation industry, not changes yet approved by the European Commission or EU Member States. The organizations are urging the European Commission and participating countries to act, but they acknowledge that they cannot guarantee the acceptance of every proposal.

The EES remains crucial for foreign travelers, including British citizens visiting Spain for holidays or short stays, as the UK has left the European Union. However, the system does not alter the free access rule for most British tourists who can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.