Dutch-language outlet *Mallorca Nieuws* reports that since the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on 10 April, non-EU passengers landing at Palma de Mallorca can spend up to three hours clearing the biometric kiosks. On 17 June the Balearic travel-agency federation Aviba demanded emergency staffing and clearer signage after tour groups missed onward coaches. Under EES, border police must capture four fingerprints and a facial image the first time a traveller enters the Schengen Area after installation—replacing the passport stamp. While the process takes under 60 seconds per person in the lab, real-world onboarding of families unfamiliar with the tech has created erratic spikes. The National Police says most days the flow is ‘manageable’, but admits it has drafted auxiliaries for peak noon arrivals from the UK. For business mobility teams the message is simple: factor extra time into client visits and off-site meetings on the island. VIP services that previously used manual booths are now funnelling through the same kiosks, though a premium lane is being tested in Terminal C. Airlines are instructing crew to brief passengers in-flight and distribute QR codes linking to explanatory videos. Aviba wants Interior, Aena and carriers to establish a joint real-time dashboard so tour operators can reorder transfer buses dynamically. If successful, the model could be rolled out to Málaga and Alicante before the August eclipse tourism wave.
Source: Mallorca Nieuws
