Europe's long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), fully implemented across the Schengen Area on April 10, 2026, was designed to modernise border management, strengthen security and replace manual passport stamping with biometric verification. However, less than two months after full deployment, the system is generating significant operational challenges across major gateways, creating lengthy queues, missed flights and growing concern among airlines, airports and tourism stakeholders.
The EES requires non-EU travellers to register fingerprints and facial biometrics during their first entry into the Schengen Area. While European authorities maintain that the system improves border security and helps identify overstayers and security threats, industry groups warn that processing times are proving far longer than anticipated during peak travel periods.
Delays Spread Across Europe
Since May 2026, reports of extensive queues have emerged from several European airports and border crossings. Airports in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands have all reported congestion linked to EES processing requirements. Industry body Airports Council International (ACI Europe) warned that waiting times of up to three and a half hours are now being recorded during peak periods, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned that some passengers could face waits of up to six hours during the busy summer season.
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, crowds formed at passport control shortly after the system's full implementation, with travellers experiencing slower processing times and longer queues. Similar scenes have been reported at Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lisbon, Frankfurt and several Spanish gateways.
The disruption is not limited to airports. At the Port of Dover in the UK, French border authorities temporarily suspended some biometric checks under Article 9 of EES regulations after travellers faced delays exceeding two hours during the May half-term holiday period. In some cases, border processing times were reduced only after authorities reverted to conventional checks.
Airlines Raise Alarm
Several airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2, have publicly expressed concern about the impact of EES on passenger flows. Airlines have warned that prolonged border procedures are leading to missed flights, disrupted schedules and increased operational costs. In one widely reported incident, more than 100 passengers reportedly missed a flight from Milan to Manchester after becoming stuck in passport control queues.
Industry leaders fear that if the situation persists during the peak summer season, travellers could alter travel plans, choose alternative destinations or reduce short-break travel to Europe altogether. Airports are also facing pressure as longer dwell times place additional strain on terminal infrastructure and passenger handling systems.
Why the Delays Matter for Travel and Hospitality
For the wider travel and hospitality sector, the consequences extend beyond border control. Longer arrival and departure procedures can affect hotel check-in patterns, airport transfer schedules, cruise embarkations and onward transport connections. Corporate travellers, who often rely on efficient airport processing for short-duration trips, may reconsider routing choices if delays become routine. Tourism businesses are also concerned that negative traveller experiences could damage destination perception during one of Europe's busiest travel seasons.
The challenge is particularly significant because Europe is preparing for another strong summer travel season. Any sustained congestion at key entry points could create ripple effects throughout the visitor economy, from airlines and airports to hotels, attractions and destination management organisations.
Industry Calls for Practical Solutions
Despite the operational difficulties, most industry stakeholders continue to support the long-term objectives of EES. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently warned that visitor arrivals could be affected if border delays are not addressed, while stressing that the focus should be on improving implementation rather than abandoning the system.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:
“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernising Europe’s borders and strengthening security. Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.
As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.
The good news is that solutions already exist. By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect.”
Industry groups are advocating greater use of pre-registration technology, expanded staffing levels, additional biometric kiosks and more flexible contingency measures during peak traffic periods. Some airports and border authorities have already invoked temporary exemptions to prevent severe congestion.
The EES remains a cornerstone of the European Union's border modernisation strategy and is expected to form the foundation for the future rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While the security and migration management benefits are widely acknowledged, the first weeks of full operation have highlighted the importance of balancing security objectives with traveller experience.
For travel suppliers, destination marketers and hospitality operators, the coming summer will be a critical test. If border bottlenecks can be reduced through operational adjustments and technology enhancements, EES could ultimately deliver the efficient digital border experience envisioned by policymakers. If not, Europe risks creating friction at precisely the moment when global tourism demand remains strong.
