The EU's new border system has caused a significant headache for travelers, with a recent report suggesting it has tripled the time for Brits to clear passport control. This is despite the European Commission's (EC) claims that disruption is limited in most EU airports. The issue has been exacerbated by the Entry Exit System (EES) technology, which has suffered from bugs and caused hours-long queues at some airports. The EES requires non-EU citizens to register fingerprints and a photo upon arrival, with the information checked upon departure. While the system has been phased in since October, it has not been without its challenges. In Rome, the capital of Italy, the integration of e-gates has not been a smooth process. The airport's Chief Aviation Officer, Ivan Bassato, acknowledges that the complexity of the system has led to a significant increase in the time taken for UK nationals to clear the border, from seven minutes to 20 minutes. This is a far cry from the pre-EES process, which was more efficient. The airport's investment in technology, including the €12 million ($13.7 million, £10.2 million) e-gates, has not yielded the desired results. Bassato emphasizes the need for urgent improvements to the system, stating that waits of one or two hours are unacceptable for an airport that prides itself on its technological prowess. The situation has been further complicated by the fact that children under 12 cannot use the e-gates and must still go to a border officer, adding to the overall complexity and inefficiency of the process. The EC's support for member states in the system's implementation is expected to continue, but the current challenges suggest that further adjustments and bug fixes are necessary to ensure a smoother travel experience for all.
