EU's Entry/Exit System may need two years to stabilize, official warns

Key facts

• Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) has faced significant challenges since its launch in mid-April.
• A Frontex official estimates the system may require one to two years to fully stabilize.
• The collection of biometric data, particularly fingerprints, is identified as a primary issue.
• Inconsistent implementation across EU member states has contributed to traveler frustration and long queues.
• There are no provisions for suspending EES during peak travel periods.

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.