We're flying into the Copenhagen airport in 10 days. This will be our first entry into the Schengen area since implementation of EES. We're concerned that getting through border control will take enough time to cause us to miss a connecting flight to Vilnius. Anyone have experience with EES at the airport and who can offer some tips/advice in advance?
wsh9171
Just went through it a few hours ago. Took 45 long minutes.
My flight arrived at gate C34. I saw no EES machines. Just human border agents.
There’s only 4 lines for nonEU passport holders. One of them was closed part of the time I was in line.
I was in line 1 which was also the line they used for flight crew so we were often stuck waiting while they let the crew in front of us. Avoid that line.
Took my photo and finger prints. Asked how long I was staying and was I going anywhere else.
There might be a separate line for connecting flights. Or you can usually let someone know you have a connection and they can direct you elsewhere.
When I looked at the airport map ahead of time there looked to be multiple passport control areas depending on what gate your flight arrives at. So your experience might be different than mine.
Good luck!!!!
How long is your layover? CPH is quite an efficient airport, even when very busy in summer I've never waited more than 30 minutes at immigration as a non-EU citizen. My advice? Don't stop when you get off the plane to look at departure gates or visit the loo, follow the crowd & signs straight to immigration.
EES wasn't operational when I arrived into CPH entering Schengen April 2nd, the immigration officer told me they'd had some problems with it, so they had shut it back down. There were just the normal 'EU citizens' & 'Other' lines.
I'm exiting Schengen again on May 27th, will try and let everyone know how it goes.
PS, Good to know Carrie! Thanks. Sorry just saw your reply, so basically they've done away with the EES MACHINES, but not the EES process if immigration took your picture & fingerprints!
I saw EES machines at the border control close to E-gates in early May, but not at the border control close to C-gates.
