Today was the first time we had travelled to Europe since their new Entry/Exit System (EES) was introduced. I had read horror stories in the press about long queues and wait times as people got used to the technology and the bugs are ironed out.
There seems to be a two-step process to gain entrance. First you to go to an automated machine where you have your passport scanned and your photo and fingerprints taken. Next you walk towards the exit where you are met by another automated machine where you have your passport scanned and your photo and fingerprints taken… Only when you have completed this process are you granted access to the baggage reclaim and the exit. All the while those in the Schengen area walk by with a smug look on their faces. Thanks Brexit.
EES worked for me (it’s only entry to my home country where scanning my passport never does) but didn’t for Helen who struggled to get all her fingers to register at once. She joined a queue to be manually checked but was eventually just waved through!
Transport to the centre of Rome was swift taking the non-stop Leonardo train. There were so many more people here than I remember from the last time we came but I’m hoping that none of them are early risers!
