This summer, travelers to Europe should prepare for potential delays due to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric data collection upon arrival in 29 countries. The system, aimed at streamlining border processing, replaces passport stamps and is designed for quicker immigration handling. However, issues with self-service kiosks and varying crowd sizes at major airports may lead to wait times of up to three and a half hours.
Experts note that delays largely stem from technical problems with the kiosks and the verification process conducted by border officials. The EES does not change visa requirements or duration of stay in the Schengen Area but records entries and exits for safety tracking.
Travelers are advised to arrive early at airports to accommodate potential delays, especially for connecting flights. While some can use a pre-registration app, it’s limited to Sweden and Portugal. Overall, patience and planning are essential for a smooth travel experience this summer in Europe.
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