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Travellers entering Europe are being advised to prepare for longer passport control wait times as the European Union’s new Entry–Exit System (EES) continues to roll out across airports and border points. The biometric system, designed to replace manual passport stamping and improve security, has already resulted in significant congestion, particularly during peak travel periods.
Passengers at several busy destinations have reported one to three-hour waits, and industry groups warn that queues could stretch to five or six hours during the summer holiday rush if capacity issues are not addressed.
What is the Entry–Exit System (EES)?
The EES requires non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area for the first time to:
• Scan their passport
• Provide fingerprints
• Take a facial photograph
• Complete biometric registration
This registration remains valid for three years, and future crossings are verified digitally. However, the first-time process takes longer than traditional passport stamping, increasing processing times and creating bottlenecks when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.
Airports already reporting delays
At Geneva Airport, passengers have reported queues lasting up to three hours, especially during the busy winter ski season. Airport officials described the EES implementation as operationally challenging and have added more staff to manage the flow.
Long waits have also been recorded at Tenerife South Airport, where travellers sometimes clear border control in 20 minutes during quiet periods but face delays of up to two hours during peak arrivals or system slowdowns.
Industry concerns
Airports Council International Europe, which represents over 600 airports, says border processing times have increased four to five times under the new system. Key challenges include:
• Insufficient border officers
• Limited biometric kiosks
• Equipment malfunctions
• Sudden spikes in passenger volumes
The group warns that without adjustments, some airports could see five-to-six-hour waiting times during high-demand seasons.
The European Commission reports that more than 23 million entries and exits have already been recorded under EES and maintains the system is largely functioning as intended. Member states are permitted to temporarily suspend or scale back checks during peak periods if queues become unmanageable.
UK travel association ABTA has urged border authorities to make better use of contingency measures to reduce unnecessary delays.
What travellers should expect
From April, EES is expected to operate at all Schengen border points, meaning most eligible passengers will go through biometric registration. Delays are more likely during:
• School holidays
• Easter travel
• Summer peak season
• Weekend arrivals
Practical travel tips
• Arrive earlier than usual
• Keep travel documents ready
• Allow extra time for connections
• Carry refreshments and essentials
• Prepare children for longer waits
Final takeaway
While the new biometric system aims to modernize and strengthen border management across Europe, travellers should expect temporary disruption and longer queues during the transition phase. Planning ahead and allowing extra time can help avoid stress and missed flights.
Source: BBC News
February 6, 2026
