Technical Glitches, Long Queues Mark EU's Entry/Exit System ...
EU’s new Entry/Exit System launch causes long airport queues and confusion as biometric checks stall; travelers face delays and uncertainty.
etias.comHere’s the latest on EU Entry/Exit System (EES) delays based on recent reporting.
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Broad picture: The EES rollout has continued to face operational teething problems, with airports reporting longer border-control queues and occasional outages as systems scale up. These issues have prompted calls for review and adjustments to rollout timelines in some months, though EU authorities have also stressed that the system is stabilizing with continued experience and refinements.[1][5][9]
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Recent timelines and updates: Media coverage in late 2025 and early 2026 highlighted ongoing delays affecting peak travel periods and discussions about potential pauses or partial suspensions at busy times to ease pressure, particularly during summer travel peaks. Some outlets noted delays pushing higher registration thresholds or extending deployment plans into September 2026, reflecting cautious pacing and contingency planning.[3][9][1]
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Regional impact and traveler guidance: Airports across several EU states have reported longer processing times and a need for passengers to allow extra time at border controls, with industry groups urging patience while training and technology issues are resolved. Travel industry sources have advised travelers to anticipate delays, especially during holiday periods or when new features are being rolled out at specific airports.[2][6][7][1]
Illustration
- Example trend: a line showing border-processing time at major hubs (minutes per traveler) started higher during the initial rollout and has shown gradual improvement as staff training and kiosk reliability increase, though spikes remain during transition periods. This reflects the balance between system rollout challenges and subsequent stabilization efforts.
Citations
- Independent coverage on three-hour waits and calls for schedule moderation during rollout.[1]
- Travel industry reporting on delays and guidance to travelers.[2]
- Euronews reporting a scheduling delay perspective and coverage of rollout status into 2026.[3]
- Additional industry commentary on ongoing issues and potential suspension measures during peak periods.[9]