Long Airport Queues and the New EU Border System: A Simple Guide for Travellers with Disabilities

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What Is Happening at European Airports?

Imagine you go to a candy store, but now the store asks every new kid for a fingerprint and a photo before they can grab candy. That takes time! Since the EU (a group of European countries working together) started a new computer system, many airports in Europe have had super long lines.

• The new system is called the EU Entry-Exit System (EES).
• It started in April.
• When you first enter the Schengen Area (a big zone of European countries you can travel through without border checks between them), you must give biometric info — that just means things like your fingerprints and a face photo.
• The Airports Council International (ACI), which speaks for 600 airports, says some people waited up to five hours at border control.
• They say this puts “unsustainable pressure” (too much stress) on the workers.

Important: These long lines are extra hard for people with a visible or non-visible disability (a condition that makes some things harder), people who are injured, and older travellers.

Do you have a visible or non-visible disability, reduced mobility (trouble moving around), or an injury and went through EES lately? The Independent wants to hear your story (good or bad)! Email amelia.neath@independent.co.uk.

What to Know If You Have a Disability or Reduced Mobility

The Independent asked the five busiest Schengen airports (Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Frankfurt, Barcelona) what help they give. They also checked EU papers on how border staff should treat people fairly.

• Paris and Frankfurt haven’t replied yet.
• Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and Spanish airports (Aena: Madrid and Barcelona) shared good info.

Here is what Schiphol says:

1. You can ask for staff help when you book your flight (for arrival, departure, or transfer).
2. Everyone uses EES kiosks (self-service machines) or desks.
3. Helpers guide people with reduced mobility through special spots “to speed up the process or provide tailored support.”
4. Schiphol added EES machines inside assistance lounges and made a “reduced mobility” lane and desk.
5. If you ride a transfer cart, you go through a special path and get EES done without getting off.

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (the border police there) says:

• If you can’t use the self-service machine, an officer will manually (by hand) register your passport, fingerprints, and face photo at the booth.

Spanish airports (Aena) do similar things:

• Separate queues for families and people with reduced mobility.
• These folks can use manual passport control instead of machines.

What About a Non-Visible Disability?

Some disabilities you can’t see, like autism or a heart condition. There is a helper program called the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

• 340 airports in 70 countries and 31 airlines are in this network.
• Their workers are trained to help people with non-visible disabilities.
• Usually, these travellers can also use the special assistance lanes.
• You can buy a Sunflower lanyard (a necklace string), ID card, or items on their website.
• No list says who qualifies — anyone who wants to show “I may need help” can use it.
• Some European airports have their own hidden disability schemes too.

If I Have a Hand Impairment?

The EES rule book says:

• If it is physically impossible to give fingerprints at the kiosk, you do not have to.
• If your hand issue is temporary (like a cut), it is noted in the system. You must give fingerprints next time you can.
• Border staff can ask why you can’t give fingerprints right now.
• Countries must have respectful ways to handle fingerprint troubles.
• If you have a temporary injury or it’s hard due to disability, age, or body features, guards may wait to take biometrics until you leave the EU.

Important: You will not be forced to give fingerprints if your body truly can’t do it, and you should be treated with dignity.

What Is Being Done to Make EES Accessible?

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) gave guidance last October to help countries respect people’s rights.

• Staff must pay extra attention to older people, disabled people, and children.
• The system must work in a “non-discriminatory manner” (no unfair treatment).
• Airports should:
  • Train staff at borders
  • Leave space for wheelchairs
  • Use EES machines with adjustable height and voice help
• Officers should take biometrics in a respectful, fair way.
• At Marseille airport, guards use tablets for mobile checks (good for reduced mobility).
• Guards should use mobile gear for face/fingerprint capture for those with reduced mobility or in cars.
• They must watch for distress and help kids, older folks, and disabled travellers.
• Info must be clear for people with disabilities or low tech skills.
• Shy or uncomfortable travellers (due to disability, religion, etc.) can give data more privately.

Summary

The EU’s new EES takes fingerprints and face photos from travellers entering the Schengen Area, causing long queues (up to 5 hours). This is tough for disabled, injured, or older travellers. Airports like Schiphol and Aena offer help lanes, manual checks, and special paths. The Sunflower network helps hidden disabilities. Hand-impaired travellers may skip fingerprints if unable. The FRA tells airports to train staff, use accessible machines, and treat everyone fairly.

FAQ

1. What is the EES and when did it start?
The EES is the EU Entry-Exit System that records your face and fingerprints when you first enter the Schengen Area. It started in April.

2. I have a hidden disability. How can airports know I need help?
You can join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and wear their lanyard or ID. Many airports and airlines will then let you use assistance lanes.

3. What if I can’t use my hands for fingerprints?
The rules say you don’t have to if it’s physically impossible. If temporary, it’s noted and done later. Officers will help respectfully.

4. Are airports doing anything to shorten waits for disabled travellers?
Yes. Some have dedicated lanes, assistance lounges with EES kiosks, mobile tablets, and trained staff per FRA guidance.

5. Where can I share my airport experience with a disability?
Email The Independent at amelia.neath@independent.co.uk.