The European Union’s latest attempt to modernize border control has devolved into a logistical nightmare for international travelers. The new Entry Exit System (EES), which mandates that non-EU citizens provide fingerprints and photographs upon entry, has effectively tripled the time required for British nationals to clear passport control.
Despite a staggering €12 million investment in automated kiosks, the technology is plagued by bugs and system-wide server crashes that ripple across member states.
Airport executives, including Ivan Bassato of Rome’s Fiumicino airport, have openly criticized the rollout, noting that processing times have jumped from seven minutes to 20 minutes, with some travelers reporting waits of up to two hours.
Ryanair has joined the chorus of frustration, warning passengers that the failed implementation is causing unnecessary delays and missed connections. While the European Commission claims that disruption is limited, the reality on the ground in hubs like Rome and Faro tells a different story of bureaucratic overreach and technical incompetence.
Airport officials are now demanding that the EU cut the red tape and address the systemic flaws that are turning international travel into a test of endurance.
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