The European Union’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travelers achieved full deployment across 29 participating countries by August 2026. Officially launched in October 2025, the system replaces manual passport stamping with digital records capturing biometric identifiers including facial images and fingerprints. The EES operates at land, sea, and air border crossing points surrounding the Schengen area.
Delays and Long Queues at Airports and Land Borders
Since the EES rollout, several major European airports handling passengers from non-EU countries such as the UK and the United States have reported long waiting times, with queues up to two hours during peak periods in early 2026. Land borders have also
faced significant congestion; at the Croatia–Serbia border, vehicle lines stretched several kilometers with wait times extending to multiple hours during the 2026 summer holiday period, reflecting processing delays caused by the new biometric checks.
Operational Challenges Slowing Passenger Processing
During the phased introduction, some airports and border crossings have continued manual passport stamping alongside digital biometric registration, leading to duplicated efforts that slow passenger throughput. Border agents must switch between legacy booths, new kiosks, and different IT systems. The limited availability of operational kiosks, occasional technical glitches, and the additional manual handling required for families, elderly passengers, and travelers unfamiliar with self-service have exacerbated bottlenecks.
Industry and Official Warnings on Peak Season Impact
European aviation organizations and airport operators have alerted authorities about possible extensive queues lasting several hours if biometric capture remains fully enforced during peak summer travel. Industry groups emphasize that border staffing and infrastructure upgrades have not matched the demands of the biometric system. Airlines and airports have called on the European Commission and national governments to utilize regulatory provisions allowing member states to reduce or temporarily suspend biometric enrollment during periods of severe congestion to maintain flow.
Traveler Guidance and Future Processing Expectations
Official travel advice recommends that passengers traveling from non-EU countries arrive at airports earlier than usual and consult terminal-specific guidelines on biometric
processing. Some airlines have included biometric check reminders in pre-departure communications, and airports have published kiosk locations and instructions to assist travelers. Authorities note that once initial biometric enrollment is complete, repeat border crossings will require fewer checks, which should reduce future wait times. The implementation experience varies widely among airports based on staffing, layout, and the EES deployment stage.
