Italy and Portugal are set to follow Greece in abandoning the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for UK visitors after its problematic launch. The system, which requires biometric data collection, has faced severe operational issues, resulting in long queues and delays for travellers. This has prompted these countries to reconsider their implementation of the checks.
The underlying problem lies in the technology used for the EES, which has been described as malfunctioning and inadequate for the volume of travellers. Insufficient staffing during the rollout further exacerbated the situation, leading to a chaotic experience for those attempting to enter the Schengen zone. Critics have pointed out that the technology was not ready for deployment, causing significant disruptions.
For UK travellers, this means a reprieve from the biometric checks that were expected to complicate entry into Europe. The scrapping of these checks could ease travel frustrations and reduce waiting times at borders, which is particularly beneficial during peak holiday seasons.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how other EU nations respond to the EES’s failures. If more countries follow suit, it could signal a shift in how biometric data is handled at borders, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of similar systems in the future.
Sources
gbnews.com
