The EU’s new border system has increased passport‑control times for British travelers to almost three times the previous duration, according to the director of Rome’s main airport.
Ryanair has cautioned summer travelers to anticipate prolonged passport‑control delays.
Police at Portugal’s Faro Airport reported technical glitches in the Entry/Exit System but said queues are expected to clear rapidly.
The European Commission said disruptions are limited at most EU airports and pledged continued support for member states implementing the system.
The Commission added that its assistance will be provided to the fullest extent possible.
The digital Entry/Exit System (EES) mandates that non‑EU nationals entering the Schengen Area—comprising 29 countries—provide fingerprints and a photograph upon arrival, which are verified at departure.
The process is typically carried out using autonomous kiosks, occasionally supplemented by border officers, such as for travelers under 12, and has been rolled out gradually since October.
Several European airports have experienced multi‑hour queues at passport control, with some passengers missing flights.
Ryanair this week blamed the incomplete rollout of the EES for causing unnecessary delays and lengthy queues.
The airline advised UK travelers to allow additional travel time and prepare for extended passport‑control waits.
In Rome—a consistently popular destination for tourists from the UK and worldwide—everyone interviewed in Piazza di Spagna shared experiences with the EES.
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