A summer trip to Europe now comes with an extra item on the checklist: time. Lots of it.
Across several European airports, travellers are reporting long queues, missed connections and extended waits at immigration counters as the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to bed in. What was designed to modernise border management and improve security is, for many passengers, becoming one of the defining travel stories of the 2026 summer season.
The system, which fully came into force across the Schengen Area on April 10, 2026, replaces traditional passport stamping for non-EU nationals with a digital process that records biometric information, including fingerprints and facial scans. While authorities say the technology will make border crossings more secure and efficient in the long run, the transition period has proved challenging at several airports handling large volumes of international passengers.
From Lisbon and Paris to Amsterdam and Milan, travellers have described spending hours in immigration lines, with some even missing onward flights. As Europe heads into its busiest travel months, airlines, airports and tourism bodies are urging passengers to prepare for longer processing times than they may be used to.
What Is EES?
The Entry/Exit System is one of the European Union’s most significant border-control reforms in recent years. It applies to non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area, including travellers from countries such as India, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Canada.
Instead of receiving a passport stamp, travellers now have their biometric data captured and stored digitally. The system records personal details, fingerprints, facial images, and the exact time and place of entry and exit. The objective is to strengthen border security, identify overstays more effectively and create a centralised digital record of movements across participating countries.
The rollout began in October 2025 and has gradually expanded across the bloc. By April 2026, the system became operational throughout the Schengen Area. Since then, European authorities say tens of millions of entries and exits have already been processed through EES.
On paper, the process appears straightforward. European officials maintain that biometric registration typically takes around a minute per traveller. However, the reality at many airports has been far more complex, particularly during peak travel periods when thousands of passengers arrive or depart within short timeframes.
Why Delays Persist
The challenge lies not necessarily in the biometric scan itself but in implementing the system at scale. Airports across Europe have had to introduce new kiosks, upgrade infrastructure, train staff and adapt passenger flows, all while maintaining normal operations during one of the busiest travel years on record. The result has been inconsistent experiences across the continent.
While some travellers have reported clearing immigration in minutes, others have found themselves stuck in queues stretching for hours. Airports in Portugal, France, Spain, and parts of Italy have emerged as particular pressure points, according to airlines and airport operators.
Industry groups representing European airports have warned that waiting times are increasing rather than improving at some locations. Recent surveys conducted across dozens of airports found queues extending beyond three hours during peak periods. Even airports that initially appeared to be managing the transition smoothly have reported growing congestion as passenger numbers rise.
Operational issues have also added to the challenge. Reports point to technical glitches at self-service kiosks, staffing shortages at certain border-control points and difficulties integrating new technology into existing airport systems. Some countries have temporarily relaxed or suspended parts of the process to prevent severe bottlenecks, while others are increasing staffing levels ahead of the summer rush.
Summer Travel Impact
For travellers flying to, from or through Europe, the consequences are becoming increasingly visible. Passengers travelling on multi-leg itineraries are among the most affected. Missed connections have become a recurring concern, particularly for travellers transiting through major European hubs en route to destinations in North America, South America and beyond. Travel advisors are increasingly recommending longer layovers and warning against tight connection windows.
Airlines have also begun adjusting their guidance. Several carriers are advising passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure, particularly when flying out of busy Schengen destinations. Some travellers are choosing to arrive even earlier, anticipating possible delays at immigration checkpoints.
The issue extends beyond airports. Ferry terminals and land-border crossings have also experienced congestion linked to the new checks. As Europe's summer holiday season gathers momentum, concerns remain that rising passenger volumes could place additional strain on the system.
That said, experiences continue to vary significantly. While some airports have struggled with long queues, others have managed to integrate the new process with relatively little disruption. This uneven implementation is one reason travellers are finding it difficult to predict what awaits them at their departure or arrival airport.
What Happens Next
European authorities maintain that EES is functioning successfully overall and argue that the current disruption reflects the complexities of introducing a major cross-border digital system. They also note that responsibility for staffing and operational management ultimately lies with individual member states.
Several countries are already taking steps to improve passenger flow. Additional border officers are being deployed at some airports, while others are expanding the use of automated kiosks and digital pre-registration tools. Industry bodies have also called for broader adoption of mobile applications that allow travellers to submit some information before arriving at the border.
Whether these measures will be enough to ease summer congestion remains to be seen. For now, travel experts expect delays to continue at certain airports, particularly during weekends, holiday periods, and peak departure times.
All You Need To Know
If you're travelling to Europe this summer, expect the new Entry/Exit System to be part of your journey. Non-EU travellers entering or leaving Schengen countries will likely undergo fingerprint and facial-recognition checks as part of the process. While many airports are handling the transition efficiently, others continue to experience significant queues. Arriving at least three hours before departure, allowing generous layover times, keeping travel documents easily accessible and preparing for possible waits at immigration are currently among the safest strategies. The EES is here to stay, and while the long-term goal is smoother and more secure border crossings, travellers this season should plan for a little extra patience before take-off.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. What is the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a biometric border-control system that records fingerprints, facial scans and travel details of non-EU visitors entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
2. When did the EES become fully operational?
The system became fully operational across the Schengen Area on April 10, 2026, following a phased rollout that began in October 2025.
3. Why are travellers facing long queues at European airports?
Additional biometric checks, high passenger volumes and operational challenges have led to longer processing times at some airports.
4. Which travellers are affected by the new checks?
The system applies to non-EU nationals, including travellers from India, the UAE, the UK, the US and many other countries.
5. How can travellers avoid missing their flights?
Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, allow extra time for connections and be prepared for longer immigration queues.
