New entry system for non-EU residents is chipping away at Europe’s image

The appeal of a trip to Europe, to gaze at historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, to ski in the Alps or sunbathe on a Greek beach, is well known to travellers. One of the attractions has long been the ease with which borders can be crossed.

But while the war in Iran has disrupted travel around the world, a new source of potential woe for visitors to Europe has just kicked in. Non-EU nationals must now register their biometric data on arrival. This controversial move has been almost a decade in the making.

It should be a natural step, embracing technology, making border control in Europe digital and ending the need for the time-honoured practice of stamping passports.

But the implementation of the new system has not been straightforward. It has led to long queues, delays, confusion and chaos. Some passengers have even missed their flights while waiting at border control.

Airline industry representatives are warning that unless there is greater flexibility, allowing the system to be suspended if overwhelmed, Europe’s reputation as an easily accessible and efficient tourist destination will be damaged. That image is already being chipped away at.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on April 10, after a phased introduction that began in October. Visitors to 25 of the 27 European Union member states, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are covered. The scheme is not being used in Ireland or Cyprus.