Travel analysts speculate that Italy and Portugal may become the next two nations to eliminate EU border controls at airports. British vacationers are experiencing 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 have their fingerprints and photos recorded to enter the Schengen Area.
Over 100 easyJet passengers faced delays at passport control in Milan Linate airport and missed a flight to Manchester recently. Greece has exempted UK holidaymakers from the new regulations until September following extensive queues.
Reports suggest that airports in Portugal are currently allowing passengers to bypass queues if they become too lengthy. Italy is expected to adopt a similar approach to Greece, permitting entry with just a passport stamp as the May half-term approaches. Spain, France, and Croatia might also consider this move.
Seamus McCauley, from Holiday Extras, commented on the situation, stating that the rollout has been chaotic. He mentioned that British tourists contribute significantly to the Greek economy, leading Greece to prioritize their interests over the flawed EES.
He predicted that Italy and Portugal are likely to follow Greece’s lead. McCauley added that if these countries make similar decisions, it could trigger a chain reaction with Spain, France, and Croatia taking similar actions to avoid losing tourism to other EU nations.
In related news, Ryanair announced changes to its airport check-in and bag-drop services, requiring passengers to complete the process 20 minutes earlier than before. This adjustment aims to reduce the number of passengers missing flights due to delays. Passengers failing to comply with the new policy may risk being denied boarding without a refund. The updated policy will be effective from November 10.