The EU Entry-Exit System (EES), which will require UK travellers to register their fingerprints and submit to a facial scan when they cross an external EU border, took effect last October and will be fully implemented for the first time on Friday 10 April after a six-month phased launch.

Travellers' biometrics will be kept on file for three years to speed up transit through EU borders, with EES replacing manual passport stamping.

Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said on Wednesday (25 March) said that it was vital there was provision for EES to be flexibly suspended during moments of peak travel demand or risk "compounding disruption at a time when customer confidence is so critical".

Different priorities

Luke Petherbridge, Abta's director of public affairs, on Thursday (26 March) conceded the upcoming Easter break was likely to be a challenge. "[It] will be the biggest test of the new Entry-Exit System," he said.

"Borders should have the system in operation now and will be increasing the number of people and biometrics taken over the next fortnight ready for full rollout by 10 April."

Suspend new EU border checks at moments of peak demand – Advantage

However, he warned: "The European’s Commission test for whether the rollout is successful is based on the number of borders in operation and registrations, not the passenger experience.

"Some people’s experience has been smooth, but others have had to wait a long time to go through the checks, which can cause various knock-on effects for travel."

Mixed outlook

Like Lo Bue-Said, Petherbridge said there had been teething problems at peak times, such as when multiple flights are arriving or departing at the same time, and reiterated the importance of there being slack or leniency baked into the system.

"We encourage border authorities to apply the available contingency measures, such as suspending biometric checks when lengthy queues form," he continued. "There also needs to be adequate staffing and planning for busy travel periods.

"Unfortunately, we are still getting conflicting feedback from authorities on their understanding of these measures, and we continue to stress to destinations and the European Commission the importance of using these to manage the flow of people through the border."