EES emergency rules set to expire despite concerns over fresh delays

The ability of EU border authorities to suspend the bloc’s biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) is due to end on Sunday with no sign the European Commission will change its stance on expiry of the measures to reduce delays.

An EC spokesperson insisted on Tuesday: “The system has broadly worked well over the summer and, until September 6, we have the possibility to temporarily suspend registration of biometrics in case of exceptional circumstances.”

Beyond this date, the spokesperson added: “We’re in close contact with those few member states where adjustments are needed.”

More: EES-related delays have ‘limited impact’ on Brits’ travel intentions [June 26]

EES contingencies should be extended until October, industry leaders urge [June 26]

The EC gave no further details, but a spokesperson told Travel Weekly last month: “The EC stands ready to provide additional support, including operational assistance, funding and possible deployment of additional Frontex [law enforcement] officers where there are challenges at certain border crossing points.”

A senior industry source agreed “most places didn’t have a problem” this summer, but said: “A few places had big problems, and they’re the ones that made the headlines. The big problems have been on exit, when it has been much slower electronically than manually stamping a passport because most airports aren’t used to processing data on the way out.”

Travel and aviation industry leaders continue to lobby for an extension of measures to suspend the system.

Abta director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “The current flexibilities helped ease pressures over the summer, [with] greater and more pragmatic use of these measures to stop large queues forming. We continue to push the Commission to allow these measures to be used beyond September.”

Tom Jenkins, chief executive of European travel association Etoa, said: “We remain concerned but better to do something bad now, given the volumes of traffic in September and October, than in July and August. We just hope places where there were problems have learnt the lessons.”

Iata external affairs senior vice president Thomas Reynaert said: “A digital border is only as strong as the technology behind it. Reliable systems, fully deployed self-service kiosks and automated border controls, together with adequate staffing, remain essential if EES is to operate effectively during peak periods without creating unnecessary disruption for passengers, border authorities and transport operators.

“EES will succeed through partnership, not silos. The summer has highlighted where operational challenges remain. Addressing them now means extending the possibility of partial suspension through the winter season, accelerating pre-registration, investing in infrastructure and staffing, and strengthening cooperation between authorities and industry.

“We have a shared objective, which is a secure, efficient and genuinely EES-ready Europe.”

The EC has yet to confirm a start date for its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), which has been postponed from October, but it has previously said the launch will follow six months from the full EES rollout.

That would mean the system – similar to the US Esta process – is in force next summer, adding €20 to the cost of travel to the EU on first entry