World News for Students of English

12-08-2026 07:00

The EU introduced a new digital entry system for travelers coming from non-EU countries. The system uses face scans and fingerprints instead of regular paper passport stamps.

Travelers must first scan their passports at a special kiosk machine and then talk to a border officer.

The new process takes longer than before. It adds thirty extra seconds for every person. Because thousands of people travel every day, very long lines are forming at major European airports. Some people have to wait up to five hours and even miss their airplanes.

The situation is difficult because different countries use different software, and travelers cannot prepare online before they arrive at airport controls. Greece is currently allowed to keep old passport checks. Airport leaders want to pause the new system during the busy summer season to help travelers.

Difficult words: fingerprint (the mark your finger leaves on things), kiosk machine (a small, self-service computer screen in a public place), major (very large or important).

You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section.