EU border system glitch causes false overstay accusations

The EU's new biometric border checks are falsely accusing some travellers of overstaying. Missing exit records leave the system counting days after people have left Schengen. This issue affects non-EU visitors and can cause fines or entry bans.

Several travellers faced large fines after the system failed to log exit dates. British author Jojo Moyes was accused of overstaying at Marseille airport. Her exit from Portugal was not registered properly by border controls. She was warned of a 10,000 euro fine and a two-year ban. Other travellers were temporarily detained at border crossings due to missing EES records.

Non-EU citizens with Danish or Swedish residency permits should not use EES automated checks. Residents should present their passport and residency permit to manned border controls instead. The EU has launched an online calculator to let travellers check recorded days. Travellers can challenge errors by contacting the relevant data commissioners. The Local reported.