URGENT UPDATE: Families traveling to Europe for Christmas are experiencing massive delays at airports and ferry terminals due to an unexpected IT glitch affecting French border control. Holidaymakers arriving in Geneva for skiing are facing waits of up to four hours because of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has just been implemented.
Travelers headed to the Port of Dover are also feeling the impact, with reports of lengthy queues as nearly 30,000 cars are expected to embark on outbound journeys during what is projected to be the busiest Christmas getaway on record for the UK. The RAC estimates that 37.5 million leisure trips will take place in the week leading up to Christmas Eve, further compounding the already intense travel conditions.
The EES, designed to streamline border checks for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area, requires passengers to scan their fingerprints and facial biometrics at newly installed kiosks. However, this transition has not gone smoothly. According to the Airports Council International, waiting times have surged by 70% across major European airports, with delays exceeding three hours reported in locations including France, Germany, and Italy.
Travel expert Paul Charles criticized the timing of the EES rollout, stating, “There’s never a good time to introduce this sort of system because it involves a wholesale change in the way that passengers are processed.” He added that insufficient resources were allocated to ensure a smooth transition.
Passengers using the Port of Dover are advised by P&O Ferries to allow extra time for their journeys as they face inevitable delays. AA patrol expert Shaun Jones urged travelers to be patient this holiday season, saying, “Patience will be your best present this year.” The potential for frustrating travel experiences is high, with experts warning that record numbers on the road could lead to “Grinch-worthy” journeys without careful planning.
In a statement late last night, a spokesperson from the Department for Transport acknowledged the challenges, asserting that the EU’s phased rollout of the EES is not yet fully implemented. They emphasized that current queue times at Dover are typical for the Christmas period and advised travelers to check with their operators for updates on their journeys.
As holiday travel continues to ramp up, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed about the ongoing situation at border controls and prepare for potential delays. With thousands making their way to Europe for the holidays, the impact of these disruptions is being felt widely.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as travelers navigate the challenges of holiday travel amidst new regulations.
