British travellers face a summer of 'frontier roulette' as the European Union's new entry-exit system (EES) rolls out inconsistently across borders, according to travel expert Simon Calder. In the latest Travel Insider newsletter, Calder highlights the confusion and varying experiences reported by passengers.
Mixed Experiences at Border Control
Reader Brian Hartley described his arrival at Palma airport as 'well organised with minimal delays,' but noted that he and his wife underwent different procedures. While she was required to provide fingerprints, Hartley was directed to an eGate for a passport and facial scan, with no fingerprints taken. This disparity exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the new system, which Calder terms 'European frontier roulette.'
Advice for Travellers
Calder advises travellers to be prepared for a range of border-crossing experiences. Some may be required to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics on both entry and exit, even if they have done so previously. Conversely, at some airports, those who have already registered may bypass the process via eGates with a simple facial scan. At other ports like Dover or the Eurotunnel, passports are simply scanned from the machine-readable strip.
'Welcome to Europe – welcome to frontier roulette,' Calder writes, calling the EES a case of bureaucratic over-promising and under-delivering. He urges the EU to acknowledge the system's flaws so travellers can focus on enjoying their trips.
Concerns Over Etias
Looking ahead, Dr Nick Brown, a European legislation expert, warns that the next stage—the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias)—may cause further confusion. Unlike EES, which operates passively at borders, Etias requires travellers to apply and pay for authorisation before travel. Brown fears that the focus on EES has overshadowed Etias, potentially leading to a lack of awareness among passengers.
Ryanair has joined the criticism, calling on all 29 EES countries to suspend the system until September to avoid summer travel chaos. Chief Operations Officer Neal McMahon described the rollout as a 'half-baked IT system' forcing passengers into long queues and missed flights.
Calder concludes by encouraging travellers to stay relaxed at borders and share their experiences. He also promotes the Travel Insider newsletter for curated travel advice and updates.
