New EU Border Checks May Triple Waiting Times at Airports

Passengers flying to Europe this summer should prepare for significantly longer waits at passport control, an airport chief has warned. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) being introduced by the European Union is expected to triple the time it takes to process travelers at border checkpoints. The system will require non-EU citizens to register their fingerprints and have their photo taken when entering or leaving the bloc. Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, has also issued a warning to its customers. The carrier advises travelers to expect extended delays at airports across the continent during the busy summer season. The new rules are part of the EU's efforts to strengthen border security and track the movement of visitors more accurately. The EES is set to replace the current manual stamping of passports. While the system aims to make borders more secure, airport operators and airlines are concerned about the potential for long queues, especially during peak travel times. Some airports have already begun testing the new technology. Travelers are urged to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to have all necessary documents ready. The system will apply to all non-EU nationals, including those from the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. EU citizens will not be affected. The exact start date for the EES has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be rolled out gradually from later this year.