ABTA, The Travel Association, has called on the European Commission to address challenges with the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout. In a letter to Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, ABTA's Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer, highlighted inconsistencies in the application of contingency measures across the 29 participating countries, which have led to significant delays at passport control.
The letter, sent on 4 February, follows a reminder from the Commission on 30 January that countries have contingency options to mitigate long queues. Tanzer emphasised the need for consistent communication to ensure border staff understand and apply these measures effectively. "The ambition of a project like EES means it was never going to go completely smoothly," Tanzer stated, urging authorities to plan for peak travel periods and utilise available measures.
The underuse of contingency measures has resulted in passengers facing unnecessary delays, impacting their onward travel. The Commission has advised that whilst EES will be fully operational from 9 April, contingency measures can be applied throughout the busy summer season.
ABTA reports mixed passenger experiences with EES, ranging from smooth processing to technical issues and queues. The association advocates for additional border guards during peak times to alleviate pressure. Tanzer stressed the importance of the Commission's oversight during the rollout and beyond, to ensure a smoother experience for travellers
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