More than 30,000 people denied entry to Europe due to new Entry Exit System

More than 30,000 people have been denied entry to Europe since the Entry Exit System (EES) began operating, with rollout ramping up on April 10. The system, first introduced in October, requires British travellers and other non-EU visitors to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, when entering the Schengen Area. European Commission data cited by the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports that among refusals, nearly 7,000 had previously overstayed in Schengen, and around 800 were considered security threats. So far, more than 66 million entries and exits have been recorded through the new system. The article also notes growing backlash over airport wait times, including warnings of six-hour queues at major airports for up to two more years. Airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair have called for a pause in rollout, while Frontex Deputy Executive Director Uku Särekanno said EU member states may temporarily lift biometric controls during peak tourism hours.