EU’s New Border System (EES) Fully Implemented
The European Union has officially implemented its new Entry/Exit System (EES) at all external borders of the Schengen Area. The system aims to strengthen border security and management through an automated process, replacing traditional passport stamping with biometric data collection. All short-stay visitors who are not nationals of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland are required to provide fingerprint and facial image data upon entry. This regulation applies to travelers staying for a cumulative period of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
Ryanair Writes to Demand Urgent Suspension
In response to the chaos following the new system’s implementation, Ryanair has sent a formal letter to Spain’s Minister of the Interior, requesting the suspension of the EES system until September. The airline states that the new border control measures have already caused queues of one to two hours during the peak tourist season, severely impacting the passenger experience, and warns that the situation will only worsen as the summer travel peak approaches. Ryanair has reportedly expressed the same concerns to the governments of all 29 Schengen countries implementing the EES, citing Greece’s suspension of the system as an example for others to follow.
Multiple Spanish Airports Affected, Travelers Risk Missing Flights
Ryanair specifically pointed out that in Spain, some passengers have already missed their flights due to long delays at passport control. The company criticized the Spanish government for failing to ensure adequate staffing, system adjustments, and the installation of self-service kiosks, despite having years of advance notice about the mandatory EES rollout. Currently, waiting times at airports including Malaga, Alicante, Lanzarote, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Reus, and Fuerteventura are commonly exceeding one to two hours.
Travel Advice for Non-EU Passengers
Given the current situation, non-EU nationals planning to travel to Europe should consider the following advice:
- Allow extra time: During the summer peak season, it is advisable to arrive at the airport 1 to 2 hours earlier than normally recommended to accommodate potential long border checks.
- Use self-service kiosks: Before heading to the airport, check if EES self-service kiosks are available. Using these devices to register your biometric data can help speed up the clearance process.
- Monitor your flight status: Keep a close eye on your flight information. In the unfortunate event of missing a flight due to long queues, contact your airline immediately to understand your rights and rebooking policies.
