American vacationers arriving in Europe this week have been met with hours-long waits at border management, because the European Union begins implementing its new Entry-Exit System (EES) — a significant shift in how guests from exterior the bloc are processed at airports.
The system, launched on Sunday, replaces the acquainted passport stamp with a digital registration that data vacationers’ fingerprints, facial picture, and entry and exit particulars. The change impacts all non-EU nationals, together with U.S., British, Canadian, and Australian passport holders getting into or leaving 29 European nations, most of that are within the Schengen Space.
Whereas the system is meant to reinforce safety and velocity up future crossings, the preliminary rollout has been something however clean. At Brussels Airport, lengthy strains and confusion have dominated the week.
One American passenger, Rebecca Wells, who flew from Chicago to Brussels on Monday morning, described a chaotic arrival expertise.
“There was no one there to temporary you or let you know what was occurring,” Wells informed The Brussels Instances. “After about an hour, somebody got here by with a cart of water bottles. However in any other case, we simply waited — practically three hours in whole.”
Regardless of the brand new expertise, Wells stated her verify nonetheless felt old style: “The officer stamped my passport like regular. He didn’t take fingerprints or ask any questions.”
European officers say the disruptions are momentary and that the method will turn out to be sooner as soon as vacationers have been registered within the new biometric database. Nonetheless, airports are urging guests — particularly these arriving from exterior the EU — to permit extra time for border management.
Which Airports Are Reporting Delays?
Studies from vacationers and airport authorities counsel that the influence of the EES rollout varies broadly throughout Europe. Some airports are struggling to adapt, whereas others are introducing the system progressively.
Paris, France (CDG): Working a hybrid system, the place some passengers use the brand new kiosks and others undergo conventional cubicles. The consequence: unpredictable strains and a few confusion.
Brussels, Belgium (BRU): At present the worst affected, with immigration queues stretching as much as three hours. Airport officers have acknowledged “challenges” in integrating the brand new system.
Rome, Italy (FCO): A slower however regular rollout has resulted in inconsistent processing occasions. Delays of 30–60 minutes are being reported, relying on the time of day.
Spain (MAD & BCN): Madrid and Barcelona are taking a phased strategy, which means most vacationers expertise minimal disruption for now — although new biometric kiosks are seen all through each airports.
Prague, Czech Republic (PRG): Technical glitches with biometric kiosks have pressured guide checks for all non-EU passengers, creating 90-minute waits and prompting officers to advise vacationers to reach three hours earlier than departure.
For Individuals planning European journey this fall, the message is evident: anticipate longer strains and produce persistence. The EES represents a long-term shift towards automated border administration — however in these early days, the high-tech future nonetheless comes with a really human wait.
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Sources: The Brussels Instances, European Fee, Brussels Airport, Prague Airport, and traveler reviews from verified journey boards.
