"EES will eventually make going through passport control easier – because passports won’t be stamped manually. We are conscious of the potential for queues or delays when the system is first introduced, as the initial registration will mean it takes longer to process passengers. Whether there are queues and to what extent is likely to vary from country to country, and airport to airport.
"During the first sixth months, border officers will have the flexibility to adapt the application of EES checks to help manage queues. We’re urging airports/ports etc to use these measures and the European Commission to keep mitigation measures under review if any problems persist. We are in close contact with the European Commission and UK Government departments responsible for these changes.
"We expect more information in September, including final confirmation of the launch date and details of its communications campaign to help make travellers aware of the changes and what they will need to do on arrival at the border. The UK Government will also be conducting its own communications to advise the British public about EES.”
According to Travel Weekly, the travel association Aito welcomed clarity over the target introduction date of November 10 but “also recognises the challenges that travellers – and the travel industry – will face during the various implementation phases”. The organisation said: “Whilst EES will no doubt improve the customer experience in the longer term through automation, Aito is concerned that UK travellers going overseas could, at least initially, be faced with significant delays.
“It is evident that many border controls are simply not ready for the new processes and, with customer awareness of the scheme currently extremely low, long queues, along with some unavoidable chaos and confusion, are unfortunately likely.”
13 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
And also by keep changing the dates visitors booking a trip before the new system to avoid the chaos, then find the start date is moved yet again. In addition visitors cannot book for next year for EU countries in the new system as they can’t be sure they will be approved. The EU lady responsible for implementing this system even suggested November 10th was only a target date. Some years ago Majorca tested a similar scheme and by the end of the week on my return to the UK it had been scrapped. It’s been highly amusing watching the e-gates move round Palma airport frequently and end up with the tried and tested manual stamping. Thank goodness we in the UK are well out of this mess, whilst non participating countries like Cyprus and Ireland will enjoy a visitor boom and the out of season Spanish and French economies will suffer badly.
Despite being a property owner in Majorca for a long time but non resident, we like many are giving the EU a miss until next year to avoid the expected chaos. Returning from Poitiers in France back to the UK recently I asked the sole border official if they were prepared for this new system. Non was the stern reply as with only a couple of Ryanair flights a week during the summer it’s not worth them paying for the new technology. He added that with a number of EU countries already opted out of the scheme, airports such as his can get an exemption, thereby making the whole process futile. Another EU own goal to add to the list. My betting is that it will be scrapped for 1st world visitors along with the ETIAS visa as Spain and France are actively lobbying the EU as with this new scheme and a boycott by travellers, their out of season economy will continue to head south rapidly.
This paper continues with its negative headlines, dear o dear.
Richard PearsonYou already know the answer to that. By the way, "illegals" don't all arrive on rubber boats. Did you?
Richard Pearson1, None schengen country residents 2, When they leave.
Per TouretteTwo questions: Which people? Once they’re in, how?
Yet nowhere in the report states how to get prepared for the new rules.but I suppose an negative headline is more important for clicks.
Richard PearsonTo stop people going over the 90/180 day limit.
Richard PearsonI’m going to Budapest in December, they’re offering a fast track entry service.
Richard PearsonLooks like wreaking the European travel trade.