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Europe's new Entry-Exit System processing times vary from three hours to 20 seconds - DAILY MAIL
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Days after the introduction of Europe's new Entry-Exit System (EES), some cities are seeing huge changes in border security processing queue times.
European airports have seen long delays, of up to three hours, following the implementation of the new electronic border system on October 12.
Travellers entering the EU are now required to register biometric details including fingerprints and photographs.
And long delays have been reported at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, as well as in German cities such as Frankfurt.
And one passenger told The Brussels Times that she was left waiting in a queue for almost three hours upon arrival at Brussels Airport on Monday.
France decided to drop the new rules completely, for the system's first six months, so that British visitors can avoid delays.
However, other European hubs have seen just the opposite, and appear to be adapting to the new system much faster than expected.
For example, travellers arriving in Prague have noted extremely short wait times - and Madrid airport has seen short queues too.
Tom McGarry, associate director of business development at Holiday Extras, travelled to Prague's Václav Havel Airport Prague on October 17, only four days after the new system came into effect.
He reports flying through the gates in just 20 seconds.
'Having just passed through the border in Prague, I was genuinely surprised at how seamless the process was - particularly given all that I'd heard about delays, not just across Europe but also in this very airport,' he said.
'I was gearing up for a long wait when I arrived at the border, but the staff there were efficient and professional, capturing my finger prints and photo and sending me on my way all in about 20 seconds.
'For any Brits planning holidays in the coming months who are wary of delays, I'd absolutely recommend visiting Prague, where in my experience at least, they've adapted remarkably well to the new EES systems.
'However, for those who'd rather avoid Europe altogether, it's best to consider alternative destinations outside the EU and Schengen Areas until the systems have settled into a smoother routine.'
The new system was designed to shorten security wait times and increase efficiency at borders.
British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced.
This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
On the first crossing, it will save a digital record of the passenger's face and fingerprints, as well as personal data. On future crossings, data will be checked against this record.
The majority of travellers will register on kiosks at borders.
From the first crossing onwards, you'll either use a kiosk or eGate to get through.
