Travel experts are indicating that Italy and Portugal may be the next countries to eliminate EU border checks at airports. Many British vacationers are facing delays at European airports due to the implementation of new border regulations. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) requires individuals from non-EU countries like the UK to undergo fingerprint registration and photo capture to enter the Schengen Area.
Recently, over 100 easyJet passengers encountered delays at passport control at Milan Linate airport, resulting in missed connections to Manchester. Greece has already exempted UK travelers from the new rules until September following extensive queues.
Reports suggest that airports in Portugal are currently expediting passenger clearance in case of long queues. Italy is anticipated to follow Greece’s lead and allow entry based on a passport stamp as the May half-term approaches. Other countries such as Spain, France, and Croatia might adopt similar measures.
According to Seamus McCauley from Holiday Extras, the implementation of the EES has been chaotic. He mentioned that British tourists contribute significantly to the Greek economy, prompting Greece to prioritize their interests over enforcing flawed regulations. He believes Italy and Portugal are likely to make similar decisions, potentially leading to a domino effect among other countries to avoid losing tourism revenue due to EU compliance issues.
Meanwhile, Ryanair has announced adjustments to its airport check-in and bag-drop services, requiring passengers to complete the process 20 minutes earlier than before. This change, effective from November 10, aims to reduce instances of passengers missing flights due to delays in security and passport checks. Failure to adhere to the new policy may result in denial of boarding without a refund.
