A Frontex official warned that Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES), which has caused long queues and inconsistent procedures since its launch, could take up to two years to fully stabilize. The collection of biometric data, particularly fingerprints, is cited as a major challenge.
The prolonged instability of the EES system directly impacts millions of travelers, potentially leading to continued significant delays and frustration during peak travel seasons. The travel industry faces a 'very painful' period as it adapts to the new, complex border procedures.
Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to modernize border controls, has been plagued by long queues and inconsistent procedures since its launch in mid-April. A Frontex official, Uku Särekanno, warned that the system could take up to two years to fully stabilize, citing the collection of biometric data, particularly fingerprints upon first entry to the Schengen Area, as the most challenging aspect.
Speaking at an event hosted by ABTA, a UK travel association, Särekanno acknowledged that some travelers have been asked for fingerprints inconsistently and that efforts are underway to harmonize border procedures across the EU. He noted that while some countries are managing the rollout well, others are still struggling.
Mark Tanzer, CEO of ABTA, described the two-year stabilization prospect as "very painful." Airlines UK CEO Tim Alderslade also expressed concern, stating that "we’ve got some work to do." Despite the ongoing issues, there are no plans to allow individual countries to suspend EES processes during busy periods to ease queues, though Särekanno hopes for improvements by September.