Passport control queues

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ashtondav
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Passport control queues

Postby ashtondav » Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:11 pm

Malaga PC usually takes me about ten minutes or so. The Daily Wail is today reporting queues of up to four hours at some eu airports.

So what's Malaga like right now? I need to warn friends?

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Wicksey
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Wicksey » Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:38 pm

There were delays getting out from Malaga in May, although currently worse due to the numbers of people travelling.
http://andalucia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=37417

I have seen reports that countries within Schengen are now checking passports and causing delays, although Terminal 3 in Malaga doesn't have a passport control area, only the older terminal and gates B and C where the UK flights go from have passport control booths, so not sure if all outbound flights are affected. Are the extra checks affecting those arriving in a country too?

ashtondav
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby ashtondav » Wed Aug 02, 2017 2:08 pm

Sorry Wicksy, I should have said that I am interested in Passport Control for flights to and from the UK.

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firsttango
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby firsttango » Wed Aug 02, 2017 2:34 pm

Wife arrived back last Midday last Thursday from Birmingham and had not issues with Passport Control 10 mins max, like wise daughter who arrived early Monday evening from Gatwick......both from getting off plane to getting outside to coffee shop area from arrivals 30-35 mins tops

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Alcala Barry » Wed Aug 02, 2017 4:06 pm

From a Schengen country to a non-Schenegn country

So is there anybody out there that has travelled from Malaga to the UK withing the past few days that can update us on the situation in passport control at Malaga?

Any info appreciated.

Regards

Barry

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Weescottie » Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:20 pm

I came back early Saturday, no queue at B gate whatsoever...it was a 7am flight but airport was busy...fly out again tomorrow, will update .. fingers crossed...there was a bit of a queue going in on the 26th, took about 35 mins

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby markwilding » Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:29 pm

Came in to Bilbao from London on Monday evening. Normal queue.

Alcala Barry
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Alcala Barry » Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:54 pm

Good feedback.

Weescottie, if you can find time to update on your departure from Malaga tomorrow, that would be appreciated.

Regards

AB

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby ajtg1952 » Thu Aug 03, 2017 2:05 pm

My went from Malaga to Liverpool last Friday at lunchtime. It took over 30 minutes to clear Passport Control at Gates B. She's coming back this evening and dreading it. The problem is there are only 4 passport scanners, 2 at B and 2 at C and they really can't cope when it's busy. It can only get worse!

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby wollie » Thu Aug 03, 2017 3:39 pm

Agreed as they have pretty well doubled how stringent the check is so the need double the personnel.
Has anyone tried these passport scanners at Malaga Airport, they are there for awhile but i probably
break it. I read yesterday that some Airports are advising passengers to be at Airport 3 hrs before
departure time, does anyone know what is the advise at Malaga?

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Alcala Barry » Thu Aug 03, 2017 3:52 pm

Wollie, Malaga airport advice is to arrive three hours before departure time if you are travelling to a non Shengen area (like the UK).

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby wollie » Thu Aug 03, 2017 9:13 pm

Thanks for reply as this is pretty much what i read... Is there a separate arrangement say on terminal 2 or 3 at Malaga Airport if we are flying to say any Shengan country.
BTW this has no effect on me personally its just chat, i have a flight from Malaga in 10 days and not be surprised if i miss, 3 hrs no way i will go for two and if i miss it buy another and do the 3 hrs.

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Alcala Barry » Fri Aug 04, 2017 9:12 am

Wollie

The Aena websit recommends 3hrs for flights to a non-Shengen country and 2hrs for a Schengen country.
Good luck.

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby ajtg1952 » Fri Aug 04, 2017 10:09 am

My wife came back to Malaga last night and sailed straight through passport control as she has previously registered her finger print a few weeks back. It meant she could use the automated barriers, which apparently were empty.
For regular travellers I would suggest you do this next time you come back into Malaga. There is a machine near passport control that allows you to do that. It takes about 3 or 4 minutes. You put your passport in the reader and place your finger on a scanner. All very easy and clear instructions given. Then its straight through every time.

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Wicksey
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Wicksey » Fri Aug 04, 2017 10:38 am

I've never seen those automatic machines working in the past, presumably they are up and running now, although I think the big queues at passport control are for those leaving rather than arriving.

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby Weescottie » Fri Aug 04, 2017 11:17 am

Hi there, flight arrived last night at 9.30pm. Quite a big queue but well managed. Took 10 mins to clear passport control. Sat in our local bar by 11pm!

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby ashtondav » Fri Aug 04, 2017 12:51 pm

There are no scanners at departing gates B and C

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Re: Passport control queues

Postby wollie » Fri Aug 04, 2017 1:12 pm

If this was asked before i am sorry.
I only ever seen one queue at security and passport control at any of the Airports i travel to and from.
Therefore why is there a difference if travelling to Schengan or not, is it monitored some other way?

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costakid
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby costakid » Fri Aug 04, 2017 1:58 pm

I left Malaga yesterday for the UK via gate B and the passport queue was 30 seconds. No major queues at gates c either. Not sure what the papers and news are talking about. I am back into Spain on Monday so it will be interesting to see what thats like.

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gerryh
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Re: Passport control queues

Postby gerryh » Fri Aug 04, 2017 3:01 pm

A 30 second queue doesn't make a good newspaper headline whereas an, alleged, 30 minute queue does.
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