The European Commission has rejected calls from airlines and airports to suspend the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the summer, saying a full suspension would be impossible. For British travellers to Mallorca and the rest of Europe, it means the checks are here to stay.
Why it can’t be paused
The industry asked for the EES to be switched off in the peak months to reduce queues at passport control. Commission officials gave two main reasons for refusing:
- It isn’t necessary. The system is designed to cope with normal traffic.
- It would break the record. The EES tracks both entry and exit. Switching it off at some points would leave gaps in travellers’ records — which could, for example, lead to someone being refused entry later because their previous exit had not been recorded.
How the EES works
- It replaces passport stamps with a digital record.
- On their first entry after its introduction, non-EU travellers must register their photograph and fingerprints — the most time-consuming step.
- Both entry and exit are recorded.
A delayed rollout
The system was due to start fully last autumn, but some countries needed more time, and its full operation was pushed back to April this year.
According to Commission officials, most of the long waits are caused by operational problems — not enough staff or equipment at some border posts — rather than by the technology itself.
Some flexibility
Member states can temporarily suspend biometric registration at busy times. That option is available until the end of the summer, but the Commission does not plan to extend it beyond September.
What is being done
- The Commission is working with national authorities and the travel industry to improve passenger flows.
- Extra resources are being directed to border posts with problems.
- An app allows travellers to complete part of the process before reaching the border.
The Commission also believes airlines and airports can do more, for example by managing passenger flows better and sharing information on busy periods with border authorities.
Advice for travellers
- Expect the EES to remain in place all summer.
- Use the pre-registration app where available.
- Arrive early and check your airport’s live updates.
