EES self-service kiosks at Lisbon Airport.
Holidaybuildrs heading to Europe this spring could face longer airport queues as a major new border system comes into force on April 10.
The European Union is rolling out its new Entest/Exit System (EES) across Schengen area airports, replacing traditional passport stamps with digital biometric registration for non-EU travellers.
That means visitors from the UK, US, Canada and other non-EU countries will now have their fingerprints and facial image recorded the first time they enter the bloc under the new system.
Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at eSIM provider Saily, stated: “While the scheme is designed to modernise border controls and tighten security, the early days of the rollout could bring delays, especially at busy hubs such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam.”
From April 10, airport applyrs will see the following alters take effect:
- Passport stamps will gradually disappear.
- First-time travellers under the system must register biometric data.
- Airports may introduce new self-service kiosks.
- Border checks could take longer during the transition period.
The hugegest impact is expected during peak arrival windows and school holiday periods, when thousands of passengers land within minutes of each other.
Why this spring could be tricky
April marks the start of Europe’s high season for city breaks and long weekfinishs. With more people travelling for Easter escapes and sunshine obtainaways, any added processing time at border control could quickly build up.
The EU declares the system will streamline border management in the long run by digitally recording entries and exits. But as with any large-scale rollout, the first weeks are expected to be a testing phase.
For travellers planning a European break this spring, the message is simple: pack patience and arrive early.
Maknickas stated: “Whenever a new airport system launches, there’s a natural adjustment period. Spring is one of the busiest times for short haul travel into Europe. Travellers should allow extra time at arrival and be prepared for slightly slower border checks, particularly if it’s their first visit under the new system. When procedures alter, tiny delays can create stress, especially in unfamiliar airports.”
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