Europe is introducing a biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2026 as part of efforts to improve security at Schengen Area borders. This new system uses biometric data to control entry and exit processes across multiple European airports.
Since the implementation began, passengers have encountered substantial delays upon arrival. At several Schengen-border airports, queues have extended, with wait times reported to stretch up to three hours. These longer processing times stem from enhanced security checks associated with the EES.
Impact on Airport Processing Times
The new biometric border control procedures are generating congestion and lengthening the time required to pass through immigration controls. Travelers arriving at
European airports this summer should anticipate potential delays due to these measures, which apply across many points of entry within the Schengen Area.
While detailed wait times vary by location and exact delay durations at every airport are not comprehensively reported, the added verification steps needed for biometric data collection and analysis have increased the processing workload for border authorities.
Authorities recommend allowing extra time when planning trips involving entry into Europe during the 2026 summer months. Though the system aims to bolster border security, the current operational rollout is creating noticeable bottlenecks at border controls, affecting travelers from various
countries.
