When travelers arrive at an airport, their main goal is to swiftly move from the aircraft to their transportation, avoiding any unnecessary delays. However, British visitors to the UK are now facing a new challenge with the full implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) in EU countries as of April 12. Despite Greece exempting British travelers from using the system during the peak summer season, other EU nations may not follow suit.
Having previously encountered the EES during a trip to France, I was apprehensive about navigating the system in Spain. Upon landing at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, the second largest in Spain, I anticipated potential delays due to the airport’s busyness, even though it was not yet the peak season.
My initial encounter with the EES was on the Eurostar, where registration involved passport scanning, photo capture, and fingerprinting, leading to a three-year inclusion in the system. However, despite being a registered user, the process at the airport was not as seamless as expected. Upon disembarking, all passengers were directed to a specific queue, creating a maze-like scenario with limited operational EES machines.
While I could proceed through the e-gates after a quick passport scan, the overall registration process seemed to vary for other travelers. Some navigated the machines effortlessly, while others required assistance, resembling the experience of using self-checkout systems – efficient when functioning correctly but frustrating at times.
From entering the passport control queue to stepping out into the Spanish sunshine, the entire process took me just under 25 minutes. Despite the airport’s size and traffic volume, the efficiency of the staff contributed to a relatively smooth experience. With millions of passengers passing through annually, Barcelona Airport’s operational effectiveness is crucial, requiring some patience from travelers but ultimately ensuring a streamlined process.
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