The European Entry/Exit System (EES) has caused significant delays at airports across popular destinations like Spain and France, as British and other non-EU travellers must now provide biometric data—facial images and fingerprints—upon arrival and departure. However, those heading to Portugal or Sweden this summer may bypass these queues by using a free app called Travel to Europe, available on the App Store and Google Play.
How the app works
Users can create a new journey by selecting their arrival or departure country up to 72 hours before travel. They then scan their passport details page and chip, take a selfie, and answer a few questions about their plans—steps normally done at EES kiosks. Families can add multiple passengers. Once submitted, users receive confirmation and can follow signs to a pre-registered lane at the airport.
User experience and caveats
One user reported: "I went to Stockholm.... long queues for UK passports. I had already used the app, and used the pre-registered lane. Two people in front of me. The whole process took about three minutes. Very impressed!!" However, the app developers warn that using the app does not guarantee border entry, and travellers may still be selected for additional checks.
