Portugal and Italy are expected to join Greece in suspending the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) due to widespread delays and operational failures. The controversial biometric checks have created significant disruptions at airports, leading travel experts to anticipate a potential collapse of the system as more countries resist EU enforcement.

EES Implementation Issues

The EES requires non-EU visitors to provide biometric data – including facial scans and fingerprints – at designated kiosks in airports and border crossings. However, the system has been plagued by technical glitches, insufficient staffing, and lengthy queues, prompting several nations to reconsider its implementation.

Portugal and Italy's Response

Portugal has already begun bypassing the EES when queues become excessively long, and Italy is anticipated to follow suit before the May half-term. This will allow tourists to enter with a standard passport stamp instead of undergoing the biometric checks.

Growing Defiance and Economic Concerns

Travel experts suggest that Spain, France, and Croatia may soon follow suit, as the EES continues to experience operational difficulties. The rollout of the EES has been widely described as a “shambolic” failure, with industry leaders warning that its inefficiencies are jeopardizing the tourism-dependent economies of many EU countries.

Industry Reactions

Seamus McCauley, a spokesperson for Holiday Extras, emphasized that countries will not accept losing business to competitors like Greece, which has already waived EES requirements to avoid deterring British tourists – who contribute €3.5 billion annually to the Greek economy. “The rollout has been an utter fiasco. Countries are not going to sit back and let Greece take their trade because they won’t face EES delays at airports. To do so would be politically toxic as jobs are on the line,” McCauley stated.

Neil McMahon, Ryanair’s chief operations officer, labeled the system a “half-baked IT solution” imposed during peak travel season, resulting in extensive queues and missed flights. He urged major holiday destinations – including France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal – to suspend the EES until its flaws are addressed.

Limited EU Enforcement

The EU’s limited ability to impose penalties on non-compliant nations further undermines the system’s credibility. Any potential fines are considered insignificant compared to the economic benefits of a smooth tourist season.

The Association of British Travel Agents has advised travelers to pre-register their biometric data using the EES app, but industry insiders remain doubtful about the system’s long-term success. As more countries contemplate defying the EU’s border checks, the EES faces the risk of complete collapse, potentially triggering a domino effect throughout the Schengen zone.