Longer waits expected at EU borders after September 6, airlines warn of difficulties from EES

The flexibility period for implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) ends on September 6, which could mean longer waits at border crossing points for travellers entering the European Union.

However, not all member states are expected to immediately apply biometric checks in full, as some are still facing technical problems and delays in preparing the necessary infrastructure.

The EES provides for the registration of nationals from non-EU countries, including the taking of photographs and fingerprints when they cross the border.

The European Commission has not officially announced an extension of the flexibility period beyond September 6, although representatives of the aviation and travel industries have called for the gradual rollout to continue until the end of the year.

Airlines and tour operators have expressed concern that the move to full biometric checks could significantly increase waiting times at airports and other border points.

During the early stages of the EES rollout, several European airports recorded long queues, while a number of passengers missed their flights because of delays.

According to the travel industry, the improvement in the situation in recent months is mainly linked to the flexible application of the rules, rather than to a complete resolution of the technical problems.

Travellers departing from the United Kingdom for France are not expected to face immediate changes. At several key points, the equipment needed to collect biometric data is still not fully operational.

Technical difficulties are also continuing to be reported at the kiosks installed at the Eurotunnel, the Port of Dover and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras.

Eurotunnel has said it is awaiting confirmation from the French authorities on the next phase of implementation. Meanwhile, Eurostar has announced that EES registration will continue to be carried out manually by border control staff.

No immediate changes are expected for vehicle drivers at the Port of Dover, as they are not currently checked by the EES in the same way as other travellers.

The European Commission has said it is working with member states where border crossing points require further adjustments.

Brussels has promised additional support during the period of operational adjustment, but so far it has not announced any decision to extend the flexibility period beyond September 6.

For nationals of non-EU countries, including Britons and citizens of countries outside the free-movement area, this could mean slower border crossings, particularly at the busiest airports and entry points into Europe.