EU Entry Exit System Problems 2026
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management platform used across the Schengen Area to record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays, replacing manual passport stamping with biometric registration and electronic records.
EES applies to third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including British nationals travelling for tourism, family visits or business. EU citizens are not subject to EES registration.
Under the previous system, border officials stamped passports to record dates. Under EES, entries and exits are logged electronically. Travellers entering the Schengen zone for the first time under the new EES will need to provide biometric data, including passport details, fingerprints and a facial image. The data is then stored electronically in the central EES database and is accessible to participating Schengen states for border management purposes.
First-time biometric enrolment is increasing processing time. Subsequent entries should be faster once data has been captured, although this depends on local staffing levels and border technology.
Importantly, EES is distinct from ETIAS. EES is a border registration system used at the point of entry and exit. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt nationals. The systems are operationally linked but serve different functions.
Industry warning: “Massive delays and inconvenience”
In a joint letter to EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned of “persistent excessive waiting times” at border control. The letter describes a “complete disconnect” between official assurances and operational reality.
The aviation bodies identified three pressure points: chronic understaffing at border control, unresolved technical issues affecting automated systems and limited uptake of the Frontex pre-registration app by member states.
Even with only 35% of eligible third-country nationals currently subject to biometric registration, waiting times have reportedly reached two hours at some airports. Industry leaders warn that full registration during peak summer traffic could result in queues of four hours or more.
In December 2025, Lisbon Airport suspended EES operations for three months following what were described as serious deficiencies at border control. Waiting times reportedly reached seven hours before operations were paused.
At airports where EES remains active, including major gateways used by UK travellers, visa-exempt nationals from the UK, US and other non-EU countries must enrol biometric data at dedicated kiosks on first entry. There have also been reports of passengers missing flights because extended passport control queues prevented them from reaching departure gates in time.
Phased rollout already increasing processing times
EES launched in October 2025 under a phased model. Initially, 10% of eligible third-country nationals were required to register biometric data. From 9 January 2026, that threshold increased to 35%.
Until full rollout concludes in April 2026, some travellers may experience dual processing: manual passport stamping alongside digital biometric capture. This overlap has contributed to congestion at busy airports and land borders.
Airports Council International Europe has reported that border processing times have increased by up to 70% in certain locations during peak periods, with waits of up to three hours recorded.
The European Commission states that the system has recorded more than 23 million entries and exits and is operating broadly as intended. Officials point to built-in flexibility within the rollout framework.
After 10 April 2026, member states are required to have EES technology operational at all border crossings. However, limited suspension mechanisms remain available for an additional 90-day period, with a possible 60-day extension if operational pressures continue into the summer peak.
Full implementation may therefore remain staggered in practice if congestion persists.
DMS Perspective
The EES is affecting UK travellers’ experience at European borders compared with the pre-Brexit free movement framework. Travellers heading to France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland or the Canary Islands during peak periods should anticipate longer processing times, particularly at their first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
First-time biometric enrolment requires fingerprint capture and facial imaging, and subsequent entries are expected to be quicker once records are established. During the transition phase, however, travellers may face both manual and digital checks.
Airlines are advising passengers to arrive earlier than usual at airports operating EES registration.
EES also strengthens enforcement of the 90 days in any 180-day Schengen rule. Frequent travellers, business visitors and those making multiple short trips across different Schengen states should monitor cumulative days carefully.
