Rome Airports May Pause EES Checks
Rome’s two main airports may relax the EU’s Entry/Exit System during the summer peak, as airport bosses warn that full biometric enrolment could overwhelm passport control. Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino are not dropping border checks, but operator Aeroporti di Roma says the current process may be too slow for the busiest holiday weeks. The concern is queue capacity, not entry eligibility.
How the Rome EES Plan Could Work
- Where it could apply: Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino, the Italian capital’s two main airports.
- What may change: some arrivals could be allowed to skip full EES biometric enrolment during peak pressure.
- Who it matters for: UK travellers and other non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area for short stays.
- Why it is being discussed: airport bosses fear long queues when summer passenger numbers hit their highest levels.
- What is still unclear: any temporary easing would need approval from the relevant national authorities.
Marco Troncone, chief executive of Aeroporti di Roma, told the Financial Times that allowing some arrivals to pass without full EES enrolment may be the only way to avoid serious disruption. EES replaces passport stamping with digital records and biometric checks for non-EU short-stay visitors. Fiumicino can handle more than five million passengers in peak summer months, while Ciampino also faces seasonal pressure.
If Rome eases the checks at busy times, arrivals could reach the city with fewer delays at passport control. Fiumicino links well with central Rome, the Vatican, Ostia Antica and cruise departures from Civitavecchia. Ciampino, used by many low-cost services, is also convenient for the capital, Frascati, the Castelli Romani towns and day trips across southern Lazio.
Any relaxation would not remove normal passport checks or entry rules. UK and other non-EU visitors should still carry valid documents, allow extra time at the airport and check official advice before flying. The main gain would be a smoother first hour in Rome, especially for people with hotel check-ins, rail connections, tours or cruise transfers already booked.