A boss at Rome’s main airport has said the time it takes Britain to get through passport control has almost tripled despite reforms to the EU’s new border system.
It comes as Ryanair has warned passengers traveling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.
Border police at Portugal’s Faro airport also told the BBC that the entry-exit system is plagued by technology bugs, but stressed that any queues there would be quickly reduced.
The European Commission (EC) has said disruption is limited at most European airports, and said it will continue to support member states in the implementation of the system.
It added: “This support will continue to the fullest extent possible.”
The Digital Entry Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area, made up of 29 European countries, to register fingerprints and a photo upon arrival. The information is checked as soon as they leave.
This is often done using standalone, automated machines known as “kiosks” and sometimes in conjunction with border officials – for example, for children under 12. The new process and machines have been phased in from October.
Hours-long queues were seen at passport control at some European airports. Passengers have also reported missing homebound flights.
This week, Ryanair said the “failed EES rollout” was causing unnecessary delays and long queues.
The airline said UK passengers “should allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for extended waits at passport control.”
In Rome, an ever-popular destination for tourists from the UK and around the world, everyone we spoke to in the Piazza di Spagna had an EES story.
