The travel industry is expressing significant concerns about the upcoming EU entry-exit system (EES), which will require UK travellers to provide fingerprints and facial images when entering or leaving the Schengen area. The system, which replaces manual passport stamping, is set to be implemented across 1,800 border crossings handling over 500 million entries and exits annually.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said he is “pretty certain it's going to go wrong,” though he noted the October launch during the less busy winter period may help. Julia Lo Bue-Said of Advantage Travel Partnership advised travellers to allow three to four hours from the point of entry, warning of potential bottlenecks at airports.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer acknowledged there will “undoubtedly be some delays” initially but said the system will ultimately make travel easier by automating checks. Frontex deputy executive director Uku Sarekanno also predicted longer queues as travellers enrol their biometric data.
Denmark’s immigration minister Rasmus Stoklund advised all travellers to arrive early, especially during autumn holidays. The Romanian authorities similarly recommended extra time for international flights. Some experts, like Amadeus’s Rudy Daniello, believe facial recognition will eventually replace fingerprinting, offering a more seamless experience.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent, suggests the only preparation is emotional readiness for queues and confusion, urging travellers to be patient and kind to staff.
