As the summer holidays approach, many travelers are eagerly anticipating their European getaways. However, Heathrow Airport has issued a significant warning for those heading to Spain, France, Greece, and other Schengen area countries.
Heathrow's Warning on EES Delays
Taking to X, the airport's official account urged travelers to "be aware" of additional wait times at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system's implementation has already caused travel disruptions this year, with some passengers missing flights due to long queues.
The EES is designed to replace the manual passport stamping process for non-EU citizens entering or leaving Schengen countries. Instead, it digitally records travel using biometric details such as fingerprints.
Impact on Travelers
While the EES aims to streamline passport control in the long run, it is currently causing significant queues and delays. This is because travelers must register their biometric details for the first time. The process is free and requires no advance action, but travelers should allow extra time to reach their boarding gates or risk missing flights.
Official guidance on the Gov.uk website states: "On your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. You don’t need to provide any information before travelling. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times."
Schengen Area Countries
The Schengen area includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Travelers may also be asked to provide fingerprints or a photo when exiting the Schengen area. The digital EES record is valid for three years.
Exemptions from EES
Some individuals are exempt from EES registration and must present exempting documents to a border guard. These include:
- Nationals of EU countries using EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
- Non-EU nationals with a residence card who are immediate relatives of an EU national
- Non-EU nationals with a residence card or permit who are immediate relatives of a non-EU national with EU-like travel rights
- Non-EU nationals traveling for intra-corporate transfers, research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange, educational projects, or au-pairing
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City State or Holy See passport holders
- Holders of a valid local border traffic permit
- Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international journeys
- Holders of a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or Facilitated Transit Document traveling by train without disembarking in an EU member state
