European holidays are a rite of passage for many Australians, but this year’s eagerly anticipated summer adventures could be marred by unforeseen delays at the continent's borders. The European Union is introducing a new, sophisticated digital entry and exit system, and airports are bracing for unprecedented queues and potential chaos.
Digital Shake-Up at Europe's Gates
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), slated for implementation this northern summer, is designed to register non-EU citizens each time they cross an external EU border. This includes the UK-EU boundary, which will impact Australians travelling to and from the UK to Europe. The system will record passport data, biometric information – specifically fingerprints and facial scans – and the date and place of entry and exit. It replaces the traditional manual stamping of passports, aiming to increase security and more accurately track overstayers.
While the EES is intended to streamline future travel, its initial rollout is widely expected to cause significant bottlenecks, especially at major air and sea ports. Airports, accustomed to processing millions of travellers annually, now face the challenge of integrating this new biometric data collection into their existing infrastructure. BBC Business reported that airports across Europe are already warning of potential processing times of up to an hour per passenger during peak periods, a stark increase from current wait times.
Pre-Planning is Paramount
For Australians heading to Europe, meticulous preparation before arriving at the airport could be the key to avoiding lengthy queues. While the system is digital, there will still be physical kiosks or counters where travellers must register their biometric data. Ensuring all travel documents are easily accessible and that you understand the process can shave crucial minutes off your processing time. This includes knowing which queue to join – separate lines are expected for EU citizens versus non-EU citizens subject to the new EES. Double-checking passport validity, and ensuring adequate blank pages are available, though less relevant for the new digital system, remains good practice.
Embrace Europe's Travel Authorisation
Compounding the EES is another upcoming digital hurdle: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to be fully operational in 2025. While distinct from the EES, ETIAS will require Australians, like citizens from other visa-exempt countries, to obtain pre-travel authorisation online, similar to the ESTA system in the United States. This authorisation, costing approximately €7 (around AUD 11.50), will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Travellers without a valid ETIAS will be denied boarding. Securing this well in advance of departure is crucial, as last-minute applications could lead to unnecessary stress and potentially missed flights.
Budget for Potential Delays and Flexbility
Australians travelling to Europe should also factor in potential delays and disruptions into their travel budgets and itineraries. While airfares from Sydney to major European hubs can hover between AUD 1,500 and AUD 3,000 during peak season, and regional flights within Europe can be relatively inexpensive, the cost of an unexpected overnight stay due to missed connections could quickly add up. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections is more vital than ever. Furthermore, scheduling generous layover times, particularly when transferring between flights that cross EU external borders, is a sensible precaution for mitigating the impact of these new border controls. Flexibility and patience will be invaluable currencies for Australian tourists navigating the new European travel landscape this summer.
