Latest News About Entry Exit System Airport Delays

Here’s the latest overview on entry/exit systems at airports and related delays.

What’s happening

• The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout is causing longer border-control queues at several Schengen airports as biometric data collection (fingerprints, facial images) and new verification steps are implemented. Reports indicate waiting times can reach up to 2–3 hours during peak periods and rollout phases.[1][3][6]
• Airports and industry groups have warned that operational hiccups, staff shortages, and uneven kiosk availability are contributing to slower processing, especially in leading hubs like Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome, and other major European airports.[3][6]
• The delays have prompted travel-industry associations to urge targeted adjustments to rollout timing, additional border-guard staffing, and improved digital pre-registration tools to mitigate congestion.[5][1]

Impact by region and airports

• France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Iceland appear among the hardest hit in several reports, with some airports reporting notable congestion during peak travel windows.[1][3]
• Early-stage rollout phases emphasize temporary slowdowns as travelers adapt to new biometric processes and as border authorities scale up staffing and training.[9][1]

What travelers can expect

• Expect longer processing times at border controls, particularly if you are a first-time biometric registrant or traveling during peak times. Arrive earlier than usual and allow extra connection time if your itinerary includes Schengen airports undergoing EES deployment.[6][7]
• Self-service kiosks and automated gates are being introduced in many locations, but their availability varies by airport and carrier, so plan accordingly and monitor airline and airport advisories for updates.[6][1]

Tips to navigate the transition

• Check your destination airport’s current border-control guidance before departure and consider arriving earlier at the airport during rollout stages.[6]
• If you’ve traveled to the EU recently, have your passport, biometric enrollment status (if applicable), and travel documents ready for a smoother experience at entry/exit checks.[3]
• Stay informed through official airport and EU border agency communications, especially during peak travel periods or around holidays when delays tend to intensify.[5][6]

Illustrative example

• A European airport during peak holiday season reported border-control waits up to three hours due to the EES rollout, prompting airlines to adjust schedules and travelers to allocate additional time for security and immigration checks.[3][6]

Would you like a city-specific briefing (e.g., New York to a Schengen hub) with current advisories and estimated wait times for your next travel window? I can tailor it to your itinerary and provide updated arrival time recommendations.[1][3][6]