EU’s New Entry-Exit System Triples Passport Control Times, Airport Chief Warns

The chief executive of Dublin Airport, Kenny Jacobs, has stated that the European Union’s forthcoming Entry-Exit System (EES) is anticipated to triple the time required for passport control procedures. The system, which records the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, is scheduled for full activation in October.

Jacobs explained that current passport checks typically take 15 seconds per passenger. However, under the EES, this duration is expected to extend to 45 seconds, potentially causing substantial queues and disruption at border crossings.

Ryanair has separately cautioned passengers travelling to European destinations this summer to prepare for extended waiting periods at airports. The airline’s advice precedes the formal launch of the EES, indicating pre-emptive concerns about its impact on travel flow and efficiency.

The EES is designed to enhance border security and identify individuals who overstay their visas. However, its implementation has raised operational challenges, particularly at busy transit hubs. Authorities are yet to detail comprehensive mitigation strategies to prevent widespread delays during peak travel seasons, casting a shadow over the practicality of maintaining efficient passenger movement across EU borders once the system is fully operational.