The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has sparked fury among airlines and tourists alike, but a new mobile application designed to ease the transition has a major flaw: it is only available in two of the 27 EU member states. The 'Travel to Europe' app, officially launched to help non-EU nationals including British passport holders pre-register biometric data, is currently operational only in Sweden and Portugal, leaving millions of families heading to popular holiday destinations like Spain and Italy without access.
App Promises Faster Border Checks but Limited Rollout
The app allows travellers to upload their passport data, a facial image, and complete mandatory entry questionnaires up to 72 hours before their flight. While it does not replace physical border checks, it aims to make the process dramatically faster and more efficient. Airlines and airport chiefs have warned that the biometric EES rules have already triggered 'apocalyptic' queues of up to five hours, forcing some planes to take off half-empty because passengers are stuck at passport control.
According to an official statement on the EU website, 'The other European countries using the EES may make the app available later. The specific functionalities offered may also vary from country to country.' This fragmentation adds to the confusion for British tourists, many of whom are unaware of the app's limited availability.
Spain and Italy Left Out, Greece Takes Action
The major holiday giants Spain and Italy have yet to launch the app, meaning millions of British tourists flying to the Costa del Sol, Ibiza, or Rome this summer will be unable to use the time-saving tool. Meanwhile, Greece has taken matters into its own hands by ordering a temporary suspension of EES biometric checks for British travellers until September to prevent summer disruption. Portugal and Italy wanted to follow Greece's lead but were blocked by the European Commission.
According to the EU, the app's functionality varies even where it is accepted. Tourists heading to Sweden can use the app to upload passport data, facial image, and the entry questionnaire, while those heading to Portugal can currently only use it to fill out the entry questionnaire.
Urgent Warnings from Airlines
The news comes as Ryanair and other budget carriers issue urgent warnings over passport control congestion at high-volume hubs. Aviation bodies have written to the European Commission begging for 'immediate intervention' before an extra 40 million passengers overwhelm airports this July and August. The app, while optional, is highly recommended to save time, but its limited rollout threatens to exacerbate the chaos for British holidaymakers.
