The European Union’s biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travelers began operating in October 2025, covering land, sea, and air border crossings in 29 European countries. The system replaces manual passport stamping with digital records that include facial images, fingerprints, and personal data to enhance security and automate overstay calculations. Phased rollout across Schengen external borders is expected to reach full operational status by spring 2026.
Airport Delays and Biometric Enrollment Challenges
Since EES implementation, several Schengen airports have reported passenger queues up to two hours during busy periods in early 2026. Delays are especially acute for travelers enrolling biometric data for the first time, requiring
full fingerprint and facial image capture. Repeat travelers undergo fewer checks and faster processing, but initial registrations have contributed to bottlenecks and missed connecting flights at major hubs.
Operational Issues with Phased Rollout and Infrastructure
During the gradual introduction of EES, some airports still perform manual passport stamping alongside the biometric system, resulting in duplicated formalities and extended processing times. Limited availability of biometric kiosks, technology glitches, and manual handling for families, elderly, and kiosk-unfamiliar passengers have compounded congestion. The combination of legacy and new systems challenges border staff efficiency, according to EU technical overseer eu-LISA.
Traveler Impact and Official Guidance
Travelers face longer wait times at border checks and are advised
by governments and airports to arrive earlier and prepare for biometric verification procedures. European aviation bodies warn that peak season biometric checks risk queue lengths of several hours at major airports. To ease pressure, authorities can reduce the proportion of mandatory biometric enrollments during congestion peaks, and travel organizations provide guidance to families on passport management to lessen delays.
Land Border Congestion at Croatia–Serbia Crossing
Late July and early August 2026 saw prolonged queues of several kilometers and wait times of many hours at the Croatia–Serbia land border. The increased duration is linked both to seasonal traffic and the new biometric capture requirements under EES. Infrastructure
improvements including expanded inspection zones and additional lanes are ongoing to accommodate the biometric demands faced by this and other external Schengen land crossings.
Industry Warnings and System Adjustments
Airline and airport associations have urged the European Commission and member states to apply EES flexibility measures, temporarily limiting biometric data collection during extreme queues to maintain line movement. Upgrades to border infrastructure and increased use of self-service biometric kiosks are planned to streamline processing as traveler familiarity improves. The system aims to reduce processing times long-term, but current months mark a challenging adjustment period.
