EU border system launches as Irish passport 'superpower' touted to speed UK travelers

The European Union will roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for border checks on Oct. 12, affecting arrivals into the bloc and travelers crossing Schengen borders. The system, designed to replace older controls, requires non-EU passport holders and travelers moving between EU and Schengen areas to provide biometric data and fingerprints. EU authorities say the reform will modernize and speed up border checks, delivering a more efficient experience for the majority of travelers. Yet industry observers warn that teething issues often accompany new digital systems, and the transition could temporarily slow some arrivals as the process beds in.

For air travelers, the shift is expected to bring a mix of smoother processing when functioning smoothly and longer waits if glitches arise. Oliver Ranson, an air travel analyst with Airline Revenue Economics, cautions that while the system may generally streamline checks, unexpected hiccups during deployment can make the arrivals process more complex. He notes that during the rollout period, queues can grow gnarly if the new checks falter or if staff adapt to the updated procedures.

Beyond the procedural changes at the border, a so-called superpower document circulating in UK travel discourse is drawing attention from some British travelers. Simon Calder, a travel expert writing for The Independent, has highlighted the idea that certain passport holders may experience faster passage through both UK and EU entry points. Calder points to Irish citizenship as offering unfettered access to both the United Kingdom and the European Union, arguing that an Irish passport can provide a smoother border experience in certain situations because it may bypass one or more pre-entry online permits.

Eligibility for Irish citizenship is central to this potential advantage. Individuals can obtain Irish citizenship through birth, descent, or naturalisation, followed by an online Passport Online application. The specifics of eligibility hinge on where and when a person was born. Those born in Ireland before 2005 may have an easier path to citizenship, while those born on the island after 1 January 2005 must rely on the citizenship of their parents and their residency history. Additionally, individuals with Irish grandparents can pursue citizenship by descent. Naturalisation typically requires meeting certain residency or familial criteria, such as legally living in Ireland for a defined period or being married to an Irish citizen.

For applicants online, the Passport Online service requires submitting supporting documents and a passport photo by post to the Passport Service in Dublin. The service then processes the application and forwards the passport directly to the applicant. The Irish government has highlighted a robust passport issuance track record in recent years, with the Passport Service reporting a record-breaking 1,080,000 Irish passports issued in 2022, surpassing the previous high of 935,000 in 2019.

Calder emphasizes a practical dimension: for travelers who hold non-Irish EU passports, it is advisable to register with the relevant European document outbound and present it upon arrival, while on returning to the UK, travelers should register the British document and present it when they arrive. This approach reflects the broader reality of evolving border-control landscapes and the potential for passport choice to influence the ease of crossing borders during the transition period.

Still, even as some travelers explore potential shortcuts, experts urge caution. The EU border system and its implementation are designed to reduce delays over time, but the initial phase may reveal gaps as staff and travelers adapt to new requirements. The European Commission and national border agencies have underscored that the system aims to improve efficiency in normal conditions, yet the practical experience may vary by airport, time of day, and congestion levels.

Travelers should also stay mindful of common passport-related pitfalls that can disrupt trips. Chris Harrington, managing director at a travel-transfer firm, notes that damaged or degraded passports can pose a risk to boarding and border checks. He advises holidaymakers and other travelers to inspect passports for wear, avoid damage that could raise questions at security or immigration, and ensure documents meet current travel standards before departure. As summer travel resumes and border controls shift to the new framework, staying informed about both the technical rollout and practical safeguards remains essential for those planning international trips.

The convergence of new border technology, evolving document requirements, and the availability of Irish citizenship as a potential facilitator underscores a broader dynamic in global travel: the border experience is increasingly shaped by digital systems, identity documentation, and the nuanced ways passports can influence entry and exit paths. Authorities say the EES is a step toward more modernized checks, while travelers weigh the practical implications of choosing among passport options that may affect speed and convenience at the border.

As October approaches, airlines, travel agencies, and border authorities are likely to issue further guidance on how the EES will function in practice at key hubs. Passengers planning trips to the EU or visa-free destinations are urged to verify passport validity, consider the implications of new biometric data collection, and consult up-to-date travel advisories from official sources as the system integrates into daily operations. The evolving border landscape will likely feature a period of adjustment, during which travelers who anticipate potential delays can plan accordingly and explore options that may include leveraging Irish citizenship where eligible, while continuing to respect all regulatory requirements across the EU and the UK.