The European Union’s biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) started service in October 2025 and has been rolled out at 29 participating European countries’ air, land and sea crossings along the Schengen area’s external borders. The system replaces manual passport stamping with digital recording of personal details, time and place of entry/exit, and biometric identifiers such as facial images and fingerprints, aiming for full operational status by spring 2026 through a phased rollout.
Passenger Wait Times Rise with Biometric Check Implementation
During early 2026, passengers at several EU external border airports experienced waiting periods of up to two hours during busy periods, especially those enrolling in EES biometric registration for
the first time. Extended queues and missed onward connections have been reported, particularly at popular hubs handling UK, US and other third-country passengers.
Operational Challenges Slow Processing
The phased EES rollout has meant that manual passport stamping continues alongside biometric digital registration at many locations, causing duplication of checks and slower passenger throughput. Border control operations face challenges including technology glitches, limited kiosk availability, and the need for manual interventions, all of which have contributed to longer queues and increased processing times.
Industry Warnings on Staffing and Infrastructure
EU aviation bodies and industry groups have warned that border control staffing and infrastructure have not kept pace with the complexity and
volume of biometric checks. The Independent reported concerns about insufficient kiosks, manual assistance requirements for elderly and families, and the risk of multi-hour queues at major hubs during peak travel seasons if full biometric registration is enforced.
Traveler Guidance and Border Control Flexibility
Official travel advice recommends passengers arriving earlier and preparing for additional border control time. National authorities can temporarily limit biometric data collection to prioritize passenger line movement during severe congestion. Airlines and airports have urged the European Commission and national governments to use the system’s flexibility to pause or scale back biometric capture to minimize waiting times.
Land Border Challenges and Ongoing Infrastructure Upgrades
At land borders such as the
Croatia–Serbia crossing, biometric checks have caused multi-kilometer vehicle queues and hour-long waits during high traffic periods in 2026. Unpredictable vehicle and passenger flows increase processing complexity. Infrastructure upgrades including expanded inspection lanes and enhanced facilities are ongoing to improve biometric processing and reduce delays at these land border crossings.
