As the European Union rolls out its Entry/Exit System (EES), many travelers must face new border security rules. Correspondingly, the EES changes check procedures for passports, impacting flights and connections.
Recently, the EES went live at the border Romania shares with Ukraine. With EES-related disruptions becoming more common across the region, many travelers wonder whether insurance will cover delays.
What Is the EES?
Overall, the Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital border checks. Specifically, it applies to non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays. Basically, instead of stamps, border agents collect biometric data.
In particular, travelers must provide fingerprints, a facial image, and passport details. The system then records every entry and exit electronically. Over time, this data will track overstays automatically.
According to the European Commission, EES is expected to log approximately 1.4 billion border crossings in its first three years. Eventually, all Schengen land, air, and sea borders will use the system. However, early rollout phases are proving disruptive.
Romania Launches EES
Recently, Romania has activated EES at several border crossings with Ukraine. Notably, this step marks one of the first operational uses of EES on the EU’s eastern edge. Moreover, the border is a key gateway into the Schengen Area.
As a result, Ukrainian travelers must now undergo biometric registration on their first crossing. But that process takes longer than a traditional passport check. Hence, queues can grow quickly during peak travel hours.
Overall, Romanian authorities say future crossings should be faster. However, initial registration is unavoidable. Therefore, delays are expected to continue in the near term.
Delays Causing Missed Flights
Across Europe, EES-related delays have become more common. In fact, airports that tested the system reported longer processing times. In some cases, passengers missed flights after getting stuck at border control.
Euronews reported that border checks can take several minutes per passenger during peak periods. When multiplied across a full aircraft, delays compound quickly. Consequently, missed connections are becoming more frequent.
In response, UK officials have already advised travelers to allow extra time at the airport. Also, the UK Foreign Office issued guidance urging early arrival. This advice reflects growing concern among airlines and border agencies.
Travel Insurance and EES Delays
This is where many travelers face a surprise. Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover border delays. This includes delays caused by immigration or security checks.
EES delays typically fall into that excluded category. Therefore, insurers may deny claims for missed flights. This applies even when delays are widespread and well-documented.
“Delays caused by the EES are unlikely to be covered unless the travel insurance policy recognises immigration or security delays as unforeseen events,” remarked Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations at Squaremouth.
Furthermore, the outlet noted that policies focus on airline or weather disruptions instead. As a result, many travelers assume coverage that does not exist.
Policy Limitations
Some policies include missed connection benefits. However, those benefits often have strict conditions. Usually, the delay must be caused by the airline itself.
Moreover, border control delays rarely qualify. Even comprehensive policies may exclude them. Therefore, reading the fine print is essential.
Insurance analysts recommend checking wording related to “government action” as EES delays may fall under that category. If so, coverage is unlikely.
Airline Responsibilities
Overall, airlines still have obligations under EU passenger rights rules. If a delay is the airline’s fault, then rebooking is required. However, EES delays usually fall outside airline control.
In those cases, airlines may offer limited assistance. But they are not required to provide compensation. Therefore, travelers often bear the cost themselves.
In addition, passengers may need to book their own hotel accommodation, meals, and transport if they did not buy a “through ticket.”
This gap leaves passengers exposed. It also explains rising frustration as EES expands. Still, officials say the system will improve over time.
How to Reduce EES Delay Risk
Overall, travel experts recommend planning for longer border checks. Furthermore, arriving earlier at airports is now essential. Additionally, longer layovers can reduce missed connections.
Additionally, flexible or refundable tickets offer extra protection. While more expensive, they reduce financial risk. Similarly, travel delay add-ons may help in limited cases.
Travelers should also keep documentation of delays. This includes boarding passes and official notices. Such records may help with airline goodwill claims.
System for the Long Term
EU officials argue that EES will streamline travel eventually. Once the system stores passengers’ biometric data, repeat crossings should be faster. Also, automation may reduce fraud and overstays.
However, the transition period is proving difficult. Border infrastructure is still adapting, and staff training is ongoing across member states.
Until rollout stabilizes, delays remain likely. Insurance coverage, meanwhile, has not caught up. That mismatch leaves travelers responsible for planning ahead.
Bottom Line for Travelers
All in all, the EES is reshaping how Europe manages its borders. Romania’s rollout at the Ukraine border shows its real-world impact. Delays are no longer limited to test airports.
Unfortunately, travel insurance offers limited protection. Most policies exclude immigration delays. Therefore, awareness and preparation are critical.
As EES expands, travelers must adjust expectations. Extra time, careful booking, and policy checks are essential. For now, caution remains the best coverage.
Photo by Euan Cameron on Unsplash
