The EES/ETIAS experience thread!

Just as an oddity, when you fly back to the UK (Manchester in this case) from Jersey, there's no need for anyone to go through passport control as it's considered "domestic" within the CTA, even for foreign nationals.

Couple of weeks ago I arrived back from Jersey (terminal 2 at Manchester) and after departing the aircraft at the gate we had our photos taken then we were sent into the immigration (passport) corridor with everyone else! Slight panic as I was travelling with only driver's licence - what would I do at immigration?

However, when arriving at the desks - both the e-gates and manned desks for passport control - those from Jersey/Guernsey are directed to a separate area to the left where our face is scanned again and if they match up then you are let through without having to show ID. You then go through customs!

In fact had photo taken three times - one entering security at Jersey, then the two above (leaving the plane/leaving immigration).

Made me wonder if that kind of thing will eventually happen at EU airports, you fill your details in advance, walk up to "immigration" and have your prints/photo taken, and if that matches to your database then through you go - no need to even show the passport. But if so it looks many years away and a lot of queuing and hassle to go through first before we get there :-(
 
2H76 said:
Where are the main queues, getting in or out (or both)?

Think it's all gonna come to a head this summer, with many already booked throughout Europe who won't cancel as there's no refunds. Think the major issues won't be stamping coming in, but going out as airports/governments etc won't be bothered if you miss your flight or not (call me cynical). On arrival the authorities will face a backlash from the airlines if they can't land, or do land and have to wait to disembark.

Hoping Ibiza won't be troublesome, as I've alluded to the systems are in place in and outbound, and it's probably a lot smaller than Tenerife, Faro etc.
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Meant to be potentially bad both ways in Krakow, although, going out, they apparently call people through for flights that are about to leave, so at least you shouldn't miss your flight.
 
Johnny Vodka said:
Meant to be potentially bad both ways in Krakow, although, going out, they apparently call people through for flights that are about to leave, so at least you shouldn't miss your flight.
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Is this a recent thing? I went to Krakow a few times last year and had no problem at all. I was off the flight, collected my luggage and in a taxi in about 15 mins.
 
NickyT said:
Is this a recent thing? I went to Krakow a few times last year and had no problem at all. I was off the flight, collected my luggage and in a taxi in about 15 mins.
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I haven't really paid attention until recently. Some people do get through quickly, but it depends on how many other UK flights there are around your time.

I thought I read somewhere that once you've had your fingerprints/photo done you don't need to go through it again for a while, so maybe queues will speed up over time?
 
Johnny Vodka said:
I thought I read somewhere that once you've had your fingerprints/photo done you don't need to go through it again for a while, so maybe queues will speed up over time?
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Mekka said:
We got in and out of Berlin pretty rapidly last week. We had to go through the fingerprint queue again. No chance not to.
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That's what i thought and was keen to get it "over and done with" for the next three years. However that would have been a waste of time as it does appear you have to go to the booth again and input your data, then go to the e-gate to pass through. The only difference is the booth accepts you've been done before?
My question is why - if you've already been processed, just go to the e-gate!?

The whole thing is bonkers. And bloody expensive bonkers at that. Just wonder if none of this had ever happened, how much Europeans could have deducted from their tax bill?
 
Johnny Vodka said:
Thanks! TBH I'm not sure about Ibiza this year. :eek:
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I'm leaving it as late as I can (early Oct) so the mass of tourism will have gone so hopefully an easy passage through the airport, and also still decent weather - the only difference I'll be staying on Ibiza rather than Formentera to use the buses to get round the island - and hopefully get some warm swims in!
If anyone's concerned about the chance of delays and hold-ups, if you don't have kids in tow leaving it until early autumn might be the answer.
 
Johnny Vodka said:
I haven't really paid attention until recently. Some people do get through quickly, but it depends on how many other UK flights there are around your time.

I thought I read somewhere that once you've had your fingerprints/photo done you don't need to go through it again for a while, so maybe queues will speed up over time?
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I go at least a couple of times a year, so you could be right about the fingerprint/photo thing.
I definitely wouldn't be put off with going. It's such a nice city, and super cheap Wroclaw is a great place as well.
 
NickyT said:
I go at least a couple of times a year, so you could be right about the fingerprint/photo thing.
I definitely wouldn't be put off with going. It's such a nice city, and super cheap Wroclaw is a great place as well.
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Might have a look at Wroclaw rather than give up. :lol: Quick search doesn't find much mention of long queues.
 
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