EU's New Digital Border System Triples Passport Wait Times, Airport Officials Confirm

The European Union's new digital border system has nearly tripled the time required for British passengers to clear passport control at Rome's main airport, despite subsequent improvements, according to a senior airport official. The statement adds to growing concerns over the Entry Exit System (EES) rollout across European airports.

Ryanair has warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to expect extended waits at passport control, citing what it called 'the failed EES rollout' causing unnecessary delays and long queues. The airline advised UK passengers to allow extra time for their journey.

At Portugal's Faro airport, border police acknowledged that the EES technology suffered from bugs but insisted that any queues would decrease quickly. The European Commission (EC) stated that disruption is limited in most EU airports and reaffirmed its commitment to support member states in the system's implementation 'to the fullest extent possible.'

The EES, a digital system for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area — which comprises 29 European countries — requires travellers to register fingerprints and a photograph upon arrival. This information is checked upon departure. The process is often conducted via standalone automated kiosks, though border officers may handle certain cases, such as children under 12. The system has been phased in since October.

Since the rollout, some European airports have reported hours-long queues at passport control, with passengers occasionally missing flights. In Rome, a popular destination for UK tourists, many visitors shared their experiences of the new system with the BBC.