EU Entry & Exit System Delays 2025: How to Avoid Travel Chaos and Long Queues

EU Entry/Exit System Delays Frustrate Travelers at Airports

The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), launched to enhance security across the Schengen Area, has sparked significant challenges for non-EU travelers. Designed to replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial scans, the system aims to streamline border control and prevent overstays. However, its rollout, starting in October 2025, has been marred by technical glitches, lengthy wait times, and confusion at major airports like Prague’s Vaclav Havel. Travelers are facing delays of up to 90 minutes, raising concerns about the system’s readiness for peak travel seasons.

The EES was introduced to modernize border management, but early hiccups have left passengers frustrated. Airports across the Schengen Area are grappling with malfunctioning kiosks and insufficient staff training, leading to manual processing and long queues. This article explores the challenges of the EES rollout, its impact on travelers, and what to expect as the system evolves toward full implementation by April 2026.

What Is the EU Entry/Exit System?

The EU Entry/Exit System is a biometric border control initiative designed to enhance security and efficiency for non-EU travelers entering or exiting the Schengen Area. It captures four fingerprints and a facial scan, along with passport details, storing this data in a centralized EU database. By replacing traditional passport stamps, the EES aims to track entry and exit dates, border locations, and visa validity, ensuring compliance with travel regulations and reducing illegal overstays.

The system, launched in October 2025, is expected to be fully operational across all Schengen countries by April 2026. Countries like Czechia, Estonia, and Luxembourg have already implemented it, while others, such as Spain, are adopting a phased approach to minimize disruptions during peak travel periods. Despite its promising goals, the EES has faced significant challenges in its early stages, particularly at busy airports.

Technical Glitches Disrupt EES Rollout

The EES relies heavily on automated kiosks to collect biometric data, intended to speed up border processing. However, technical issues have plagued the system’s early rollout, particularly at Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport. Kiosks failed to connect with central EU databases, forcing border officers to manually enter travelers’ biometric information. This led to wait times of up to 90 minutes for passengers from countries like the UK, Turkey, and the UAE.

Insufficient staff training has also contributed to the chaos. Many border officers were unprepared to handle the new technology, resulting in a reliance on manual processes that defeated the system’s purpose of automation. The combination of software failures and human oversight issues has created bottlenecks, leaving travelers frustrated and airports struggling to manage crowds.

Traveler Experiences: Confusion and Delays

Travelers have reported mixed experiences with the EES. While some, particularly those traveling during off-peak hours, breezed through border control, others faced significant delays. First-time visitors to the Schengen Area were particularly affected, as they were required to complete in-person biometric registration, a process that proved confusing due to unclear signage and inconsistent guidance on which lanes to use.

In some cases, non-EU travelers, including those from the UK and Australia, were directed to EU lanes to alleviate congestion, causing further confusion about standard procedures. Returning travelers generally experienced quicker processing, as their biometric data was already stored, but the inconsistent application of the system across airports has led to frustration and uncertainty.

Industry Concerns and Travel Advice

Industry leaders have raised concerns about the EES’s ability to handle high passenger volumes, especially during peak travel seasons like the winter holidays and spring breaks. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary warned that the system could buckle under pressure, predicting significant disruptions at busy airports. Similarly, Mark Tanzer, CEO of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), acknowledged that delays are inevitable during the system’s initial phase, urging travelers to prepare for longer wait times.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, head of the Advantage Travel Partnership, advised travelers to allocate an additional three to four hours for EU entry to account for potential delays. This recommendation is particularly crucial for those traveling through airports still adapting to the EES, such as Prague, where technical issues have been most pronounced.

Impact on Schengen Area Travel

The Schengen Area, which sees approximately 500 million border crossings annually, is undergoing a significant transformation with the EES. Once fully implemented, the system will eliminate the need for passport stamps for non-EU citizens, including UK nationals post-Brexit, who now face additional screening requirements. The centralized database will provide real-time tracking of traveler movements, enhancing security and reducing administrative burdens.

However, the phased rollout has highlighted disparities in implementation across member states. While countries like Czechia have embraced the system fully, others are proceeding cautiously to avoid disruptions. Spain, for instance, is adopting a gradual approach, prioritizing stability during high-traffic periods like summer and holiday seasons.

Addressing Technical and Training Challenges

The technical challenges faced during the EES rollout stem from software issues and connectivity problems with the central EU database. Automated kiosks, intended to be the backbone of the system, have struggled to sync data, forcing reliance on manual processing. Additionally, inadequate staff training has exacerbated the situation, as border officers were not fully equipped to handle the new technology or troubleshoot issues effectively.

EU authorities have pledged to address these issues through enhanced training programs and software updates. Officials remain optimistic that the system will stabilize as staff become more familiar with the technology and technical glitches are resolved. Continuous monitoring and adjustments are planned to ensure a smoother rollout across all Schengen countries.

Tips for Travelers Navigating the EES

To minimize disruptions when traveling to the Schengen Area during the EES rollout, consider the following tips:

• Arrive Early: Allow at least three to four hours for border control, especially at airports still adapting to the EES.
• Check Airport Updates: Research your destination airport’s EES implementation status to prepare for potential delays.
• Follow Signage: Pay close attention to signage and instructions at border control to ensure you’re in the correct lane.
• Register Biometrics Early: If possible, complete biometric registration during off-peak hours to avoid long queues.
• Stay Informed: Monitor travel advisories from airlines and travel agencies for updates on EES implementation.

These precautions can help travelers navigate the current challenges and ensure a smoother experience at Schengen borders. As the system matures, these tips will remain relevant for managing expectations during busy travel periods.

The Future of the EES and Schengen Travel

Despite its rocky start, the EES holds immense potential to revolutionize border control in the Schengen Area. By eliminating manual passport stamping and introducing automated biometric processing, the system aims to create a seamless and secure travel experience. The centralized database will enable authorities to monitor traveler movements more effectively, enhancing security while reducing administrative overhead.

The full rollout by April 2026 will mark a significant milestone in modernizing European border management. As technical issues are resolved and staff training improves, the EES is expected to handle the Schengen Area’s 500 million annual border crossings with greater efficiency. For now, travelers should remain patient and plan for extra time at border controls, particularly at airports experiencing implementation challenges.

In conclusion, the EU Entry/Exit System represents a bold step toward modernizing border control, but its early challenges have highlighted the complexities of implementing large-scale biometric systems. With technical glitches and long wait times affecting travelers, the EU is working to refine the system and address concerns. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can navigate the EES rollout with minimal disruption, paving the way for a more efficient and secure travel experience in the Schengen Area.