The European Union started operating its biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travelers at external border airports in October 2025, covering 29 participating countries in the Schengen area. The system digitizes the recording of personal data, entry and exit times, alongside facial images and fingerprints, replacing manual passport stamping.
Since the system’s introduction, airports within these countries have reported significantly longer queues and increased risks of missed flights. Early 2026 saw wait times of up to two hours at some major hubs, particularly for travelers submitting biometric data for the first time. Limited kiosk availability, technical issues, and the need
for manual assistance have compounded processing delays.
During this phased rollout, the coexistence of manual passport stamping alongside EES digital checks creates redundancies that further slow border control processing. Gradual activation of border posts continues into spring 2026, the target date for full operational status, though flexibility measures are planned for peak periods to manage congestion.
Travelers crossing into the Schengen area for the first time via this system must provide a full set of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, prolonging initial enrollment processing. Subsequent crossings require fewer biometric inputs, which should reduce wait times over time. However,
some passengers have reported missing connecting flights due to prolonged control times during the initial EES experience.
Industry groups and European aviation bodies have warned of potential for queue lengths reaching several hours if mandatory biometric enrollment is strictly enforced without additional staff and infrastructure. National authorities have provisions to scale back biometric data capture during periods of acute congestion. Government and travel organizations advise travelers to arrive earlier at airports to account for these delays.
The congestion is not limited to airports. Land border crossings, such as the Croatia–Serbia border, experienced multi-hour queues in summer 2026, coinciding with peak
seasonal travel. The combination of irregular vehicle arrival flows and ongoing infrastructure upgrades to handle biometric processing exacerbates these delays at road checkpoints.
Airport and aviation industry sources indicate that staffing and infrastructure developments have not matched the complexity and volume of the new biometric processes. Tourism bodies have expressed concern that prolonged border delays could affect Europe’s appeal for long-haul visitors. Reports suggest that once enrolled, travelers will benefit from faster crossing procedures as the system matures and more self-service options become available.
