Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, is urgently calling on European Union authorities and member states to adopt a pragmatic approach to the new Entry/Exit System  rules. Following severe congestion during the May bank holidays, the association warns that without immediate flexibility and better passenger communication, the upcoming high summer season faces widespread disruption.

As reported by various members of Interferry, there are significant delays on ferry routes throughout Europe because the systems for verifying compliance with EES requirements have not been adequately implemented. With the peak season just around the corner, the association sees this as confirmation of its own assessment.

The EES rules governing the entry of people from third countries into the EU have been fully in effect since April 10 and have already caused significant disruptions at European ports. Unlike aviation, maritime operators must manage a complex mix of travel forms, including foot passengers, private cars, buses, and freight trucks. This unique operational reality makes “one-size-fits-all” digital border checks exceptionally difficult to deploy without halting traffic fluidity, to the frustration of stranded passengers.

Recent feedback from major operators highlights a deeply concerning and inconsistent rollout across European ports:

• Stena Line (Hoek van Holland): “Despite close cooperation with border authorities, passengers still face unacceptable delays upon disembarkation. Massive confusion remains between EES and ETIAS, the fact that people of all ages are affected by this regulation and worsened by the fact that the ‘Travel to Europe’ app is still virtually unavailable in most countries.”
• Brittany Ferries (French Ports): “The French authorities are already being helpful by collecting biometric currently only for foot passengers – because mobile tablets for motorized vehicles are completely non-functional. Even without biometric capture, border crossing times have surged simply to manually create files for arriving Third-Country Nationals.”

“The chaotic situation witnessed in several European ports this May unfortunately proved the industry’s worst fears,” says Johan Roos, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Interferry. “Authorities are simply not equipped to handle sharp increases in passenger volumes. Families should not be exposed to exhausting, multi-hour queues at the start of their well-deserved holidays.”

Roos adds: “Member states must improve their mitigation efforts and proactively apply the legal flexibilities within the EES framework. Furthermore, EU authorities must seriously consider suspending these rules until all member states are properly equipped, ensuring this critical, travel-intense summer season does not collapse into severe border disruptions.”

Interferry urges the European Commission and national border agencies to fast-track reliable system provisions and step up realistic public information before the summer rush begins.