Ask the Expert: EU Entry Exit System (EES)

Could you give me an overview of the passenger experience in Europe following the wider rollout of ESS last month, as I have read and heard very mixed reports?

The final stage of the gradual rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) passed on 10 April, and it is fair to say that the experience for UK travellers has been mixed.

The EU’s new border system is designed to automate and digitise the border process for all visa-free nationals travelling to Europe’s Schengen Area. Travellers are required to create a digital file, by registering their passport information, facial scans, and fingerprints, ordinarily by using a kiosk or tablet upon arrival at their airport or port of entry.

While most passengers have passed through borders with minimal delays, some have faced significant waiting times. 

Since 10 April, there have been reports of system problems in some destinations, as well as an inconsistent application of the contingency measures within the legislation, which has led to queues in certain destinations. This is inconvenient and stressful for passengers and creates operational headaches for travel companies working to keep journeys on schedule.

Destinations are managing EES in different ways to help address these challenges, including applying mitigating measures, such as temporary pauses to the biometric checks, in addition to allowing passengers to use eGates, which is helping to speed up the process, but it isn’t yet a consistent experience across countries and destinations.

Working with industry partners, including airline associations, ABTA has written to EU destinations, asking governments to remind border authorities of the contingency measures granted by the legislation. We’ve also raised the importance of adequate resourcing to ensure EES can operate effectively, including sufficient numbers of functioning kiosks or tablets, as well as the right level of border and airport staff available to support passengers.

Additionally, we have urged the greater uptake of the EU’s Travel to Europe app. This allows passengers to pre-submit certain information in advance of travel, thus reducing checks on arrival and speeding up the process. It’s only Sweden that is currently using the app in full. Alongside this destination outreach, the industry is also engaged directly with the European Commission, as well as the UK government, directly, and through its embassies in destinations.

As we approach summer, ABTA and the wider industry will continue to engage proactively to ensure we’re closely monitoring the situation and raising specific concerns or pinch points.

Wilma Thaning, ABTA EU & UK Public Affairs Manager