EU border reforms spark longer waits as EES begins; Irish passport touted as potential workaround

The European Union is moving to tighten and modernize border checks with the rollout of its new entry/exit system, or EES, which is set to begin on October 12 for arrivals into the bloc. Under the system, non‑EU passport holders and travellers crossing Schengen borders will be required to provide biometric data and fingerprints as part of a centralized process designed to speed and standardize checks. EU officials say the changes aim to create faster, more secure border control, but travel experts warn that the shift could bring delays and hiccups as the system goes live.

Oliver Ranson, a senior analyst at Airline Revenue Economics, cautioned that while border checks usually run smoothly, any transition to a new technology can encounter unexpected glitches. "People don't have to queue for too long" under ordinary conditions, he said, but he added that when new systems like the EES are introduced, "unexpected niggles can make the overall arrivals process very gnarly very quickly."

A development that has drawn attention from travel commentators is the claim that a so‑called "superpower" document could help some Britons bypass queues at EU borders. The Independent’s Simon Calder has pointed to the Irish passport as offering unfettered access to both the United Kingdom and the European Union, potentially reducing the need for online permits in advance. Calder’s reporting quotes the passport as a vehicle that, if possessed, can provide a smoother border experience in a system that otherwise prioritizes biometric checks and document validation. He urged travelers with Irish nationality to use that passport when traveling across Europe, noting a distinction in handling between Irish and other EU documents.

To be eligible for an Irish passport, individuals must obtain Irish citizenship through birth, descent, or naturalisation, and then apply online using the Passport Online service. The rules vary depending on where and when a person was born. Those born in Ireland before January 1, 2005, or whose parent was born there, may have a path to citizenship without a standalone naturalisation stage. For those born on the island after 2005, citizenship depends on the parents’ citizenship and residency history prior to birth. Individuals with Irish grandparents can often claim citizenship by descent. Citizenship can also be acquired through naturalisation, which typically requires several years of lawful residence or a spouse who is an Irish citizen. Applicants filing online are usually asked to submit supporting documents and a passport photo by post to the Passport Service in Dublin, after which the service processes the application and sends the passport to the applicant.

The Irish government has publicly highlighted its Passport Service operations, noting that it issued a record 1,080,000 Irish passports in 2022, surpassing the previous high of 935,000 in 2019. The Independent’s travel coverage reiterates that for travellers with non‑Irish EU passports, outbound and inbound registration steps apply, and travelers should follow the appropriate process for their document type. Calder’s guidance suggests registering with outbound European documents when leaving, then presenting the British document on return, underscoring how border paperwork can vary by passport category.

Beyond the passport question, travel industry voices emphasize common practicalities that can affect summer and holiday travel. Chris Harrington, managing director at transfer company Hoppa, cautioned travellers about passport condition, stressing the importance of ensuring that a passport is not chipped, bent, or damaged in a way that could trigger delays or denial of boarding. His reminder adds a practical counterpoint to policy changes, highlighting how routine checks can become stumbling blocks if documents are not in good order.

The move to the EES and the ongoing debates around what constitutes a "superpower" passport reflect broader questions about border security, efficiency, and the rights of travellers in a post‑Brexit and post‑pandemic landscape. Officials contend the EES is designed to modernize checks, reduce manual verification, and improve data sharing across member states. Critics, however, warn that the system can produce longer lines during peak periods, especially as airlines and border agencies adapt to the new data collection requirements and potential technical hiccups.

For World readers, the key takeaway is that border procedures are in the process of undergoing meaningful change that could affect both speed and travel planning. Families and individuals planning to travel to the EU or to the UK from the EU should monitor official guidance on EES implementation, verify passport validity and integrity well in advance of trips, and consider how nationality and travel documents may intersect with future border controls. The interplay between digitized checks, biometric data collection, and the variability of individual documents will likely shape the border experience over the coming months as the system beds in. Authorities continue to stress that the aim is to streamline processes and strengthen security, even as travellers adjust to new requirements and potential early delays.