New EU Border System: Long Lines and Potential Impacts on Crypto Travel

Traveling to Europe this summer? You might want to be prepared for longer waits at border control. The European Union has rolled out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), causing delays at immigration checkpoints. But what exactly is happening, and why does it matter, especially for those in the crypto community?

The Numbers Behind the Wait

The EES, which replaces manual passport stamping, is designed to speed up the process of recording entry and exit data for travelers. It requires non-EU visitors to register their biometric data, including photos and fingerprints. While each registration is supposed to take just over a minute, in practice, it's causing hourslong waits at airports like Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International Europe, noted that queues were averaging 2 to 3 hours shortly after the system was implemented. With the busy summer travel season just around the corner, these delays could worsen. Some countries like Greece have even exempted British travelers from the system due to these issues.

Historical Context and Bigger Picture

This isn't the first time new technology has resulted in bottlenecks. Whenever a significant change is introduced, particularly of this magnitude, teething problems are to be expected. However, align this with the EU's history of pushing for harmonization and security across its member states. While these changes aim to enhance security and efficiency, the realities of implementing such a system across 29 countries bring multiple challenges.

So why should crypto entrepreneurs care? The crypto world thrives on global mobility. Europe's tighter entry procedures might discourage short-term business trips and conferences, staples for the industry’s networking and growth. Plus, passporting within the EU is a topic where this gets interesting, as the changes could impact the ease of movement that the industry relies on.

Expert Opinions and Industry Concerns

According to industry insiders, the long lines pose a significant issue, especially for business travelers. The crypto sector, which is inherently international, could feel the pinch. The EU’s attempt at harmonization, while understandable from a security perspective, might not fully align with the fast-paced needs of crypto entrepreneurs who require fluid movement between countries for business ventures and networking.

Traders are already watching how these changes affect travel logistics. For many, being stuck in a queue for several hours could mean missed opportunities. ESMA's guidance just changed the compliance math for every exchange in the EU, and now it seems travel math needs adjustment too.

What’s Next for Travelers and Crypto Enthusiasts?

For now, patience is required. Travelers should plan to arrive at airports early, both when entering and exiting Europe. The system might smooth out as operators adjust and technical issues get resolved. But until then, this new border control reality is here to stay.

For the crypto community, the impact of these changes is a call to rethink travel plans. Could this encourage more virtual conferences or push for digital solutions to help smoother entries? The situation demands adaptability, something the crypto world is no stranger to.

Ultimately, as Brussels continues to move slowly towards more unified systems, these hiccups are part of the journey. But when it moves, it moves everyone, and this could very well reshape how business travel, especially in sectors like crypto, is conducted across Europe.