The European Union introduced its biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025 at Schengen external borders involving 29 countries. The digital system records non-EU travelers’ biometric data to register border crossings across land, sea, and air checkpoints.
EES replaces manual passport stamping by capturing personal details, entry and exit times, as well as biometric identifiers such as facial images and fingerprints. The transition aims to improve security and automate overstay detection while expediting subsequent border crossings.
Reported Airport Delays and Passenger Impact
Since EES deployment, airports handling travelers from the UK, US, and other third countries have reported extended passport control queues, sometimes lasting up to
two hours during peak 2026 periods. Passengers new to EES must complete full biometric enrollment, including fingerprints and facial scans, increasing processing times. Manual passport stamping continues alongside digital processing at some airports, prolonging wait times.
Aviation Industry Concerns and Processing Challenges
Aviation bodies have warned of potential delays extending to several hours at major EU hubs if full biometric registration is strictly enforced during busy seasons. Challenges slowing processing include operating multiple systems, technology glitches, limited biometric kiosk availability, and the necessity for manual assistance for elderly and family travelers. Carriers and airport authorities have requested the European Commission and governments to allow temporary suspension
or reduction of biometric enrollment when queues become excessive.
Traveler Guidance and Land Border Effects
Governments and airlines now advise non-EU travelers to arrive earlier than usual and prepare for additional time at border controls. The Croatia–Serbia land border has seen several-hour waits and kilometer-long queues during peak summer 2026 traffic due to EES processing requirements. Land crossings contend with unpredictable vehicle arrivals and mixed administrative procedures, complicating biometric queue management. Infrastructure upgrades at road borders remain underway.
Calls for Flexible Biometric Enrollment and Long-Term Benefits
European Parliament documents indicate member states may temporarily reduce biometric capture quotas to prioritize line movement during congestion. Stakeholders emphasize that once initial biometric enrollment is complete, repeat
travelers benefit from faster processing as kiosks gradually replace manual checks. Tourism groups express concern that persistent delays could undermine Europe’s appeal for long-haul visitors accustomed to faster electronic border controls.
