A British holidaymaker who arrived at Tenerife South Airport three hours early fearing new European travel rules was pleasantly surprised to clear the Entry/Exit System (EES) in just 30 seconds. The system, which requires non-EU nationals to register biometrics such as fingerprints and facial images, has caused chaos at airports across Europe, with some Brits missing flights due to long queues.
Content Creator's Experience
Content creator Just Deano, from Huddersfield, documented his journey back to Manchester on YouTube. He had heard 'horror stories' about the EES, which replaces passport stamps with automated checks. Upon arrival, he found the process straightforward: 'We were in and out in 30 seconds. Straight to the e-gate. Put your passport in, went through no problem.'
The Catch
The catch, however, is that the ease of passage depends on prior biometric registration. Deano had already registered his fingerprints on a previous trip, meaning his data was stored for three years. First-time travellers must register, which has caused significant delays. Some passengers have reported having to repeat the process, leading to frustration.
Mixed Reactions
Deano advised others not to worry, stating that once registered, travellers can bypass the fingerprint machines and use e-gates directly. However, comments on his video highlight varying experiences. One viewer wrote: 'I have had my fingerprints taken on a few occasions now... Didn’t work in Berlin, so hopefully Poland will be better.' Another said: 'Poor advice... Tell those stranded at the airport in Lanzarote yesterday as the plane left without them.' A third noted: 'I used the EES six weeks ago and still had to get in line for it again.'
Airport Chaos Continues
The EES has been particularly problematic at airports with multiple UK-bound flights departing simultaneously. Some travellers faced hour-long queues due to temperamental machines, forcing manual processing by border guards. As summer approaches, concerns remain that the system could cause further disruption.
Despite the mixed experiences, Deano remains upbeat: 'Don’t worry about the entry exit system... No need to worry. Absolutely fine.' He acknowledged that queues may form at e-gates but estimated each person takes only 10 seconds.
