British holidaymakers could see major travel chaos averted this summer as two massive European airport hubs look to scrap the controversial EU biometric rules. Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are reportedly following Greece's lead by temporarily waiving the strict requirements during peak travel months.
EU Entry/Exit System Sparks Anger
The bloc's Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out on April 10, requiring UK passport holders heading to the Schengen Area to create a digital record, including submitting fingerprints and facial scans. The roll-out has already sparked anger, triggering nightmare four-hour queues, missed flights and ruined holiday plans. Shock reports have emerged of furious Brits being forced to resubmit their data despite having already registered on previous visits.
Italian Airport Boss Warns of 'Disaster'
Marco Troncone, chief executive officer of Aeroporti di Roma, admitted he is "very worried" about the impending summer rush, rating his anxiety an "eight or nine" out of 10. Speaking to the Financial Times, he warned: "The process proves to be incompatible with the peak volumes that we are going to face. So the only way is to open up the valve. There is no way that we can deliver 100% of the enrolment."
Greece Already Exempt
As it stands, Greece remains the only EU holiday hotspot to have officially axed the biometric rules for UK travellers. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its official travel advice to confirm the Greek exemption, stating: "Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES."
More Countries Could Follow
EU border chiefs have dropped a massive hint that more countries could soon lift the restrictions to stop airport meltdowns. Uku Särekanno, Deputy Executive Director of Frontex, confirmed that member states have been given a "get-out clause" until September to deal with worst-case scenarios. He said: "We have until the end of the summer, the possibility during the tourism season to lift the biometric controls or the biometric registration temporarily. If there is a peak hour, you see that there are hundreds of people queuing, their queues are getting too long, then member states still have the possibility to lift biometric registration."
Exceptions to the Rule
While the rules apply to the vast majority of European favourites - including Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy – holidaymakers are reminded that the EES system is not required for trips to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus.
