Published on
October 12, 2025
On October 12, 2025, the European Union launched its Entest/Exit System (EES) to streamline border checks for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area. Designed to replace traditional passport stamps, the new system applys biometric technology, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to enhance security and reduce border processing times.
However, the rollout of the EES has not gone as smoothly as planned. Technical difficulties, delays, and concerns about privacy and data security have built the first phase of the system’s implementation less than ideal. This article delves into the various challenges the EES faces, the operational and economic impacts, and the broader implications for the future of EU border control.
The EES Rollout: A Promising but Troubling Start
The EES was introduced with the promise of building EU borders more secure and efficient. Its main objective is to digitize border entest and exit procedures, allowing non-EU travelers to have their biometric data recorded during their first entest into the Schengen Area. After this, automated checks at self-service kiosks will facilitate quicker and more efficient border crossings for future entries.
While the system’s ambitions are high, its early implementation has been marked by numerous technical challenges. At major transport hubs, including ports and airports, biometric kiosks that were supposed to facilitate swift processing have instead been malfunctioning or providing inconsistent results.
For example, at the Port of Dover, the time it takes to process each vehicle has increased from 30 seconds to up to six minutes, caapplying long lines and congestion. The same issue has been reported at Eurostar terminals, with delays affecting passengers traveling by coach, who must now undergo individual biometric checks at kiosks. These technical issues have disrupted travel and raised concerns over the system’s reliability.
Strain on EU’s Infrastructure
The EES requires substantial infrastructure to support its biometric systems, including biometric scanners, fingerprint recognition software, and facial recognition tools. The implementation of these tools across Europe has put significant pressure on existing border control systems. Although the EU has committed to installing the necessary technology at key border points, the sheer volume of travelers during peak seasons has tested the capacity of these new systems.
In response to the overwhelming demand, some member states have attempted to set up overflow sites. For example, the UK has designated Lydden Hill Race Circuit as an overflow area for travelers waiting to process through Dover. While these measures are intconcludeed to alleviate pressure, their success in handling large crowds remains uncertain. The lack of preparation at many of these sites and the unavailability of sufficient biometric kiosks at others has led to significant backlogs.
The EU had intconcludeed for the system to speed up border processing times, but instead, travelers are facing longer wait times. This added stress at already busy entest points has led to frustration among passengers and a growing unease regarding the reliability of the system.
Data Privacy and Ethical Concerns
While the EES was designed to enhance security, it has raised serious concerns about privacy and data security. The system collects biometric information, such as facial images and fingerprints, which are stored in a centralized database for border control purposes. This centralization of sensitive personal data has sparked fears about unauthorized access and potential misapply.
Critics argue that storing biometric data creates a tarreceive for hackers and increases the risk of identity theft. While the European Commission assures the public that this data will only be applyd for border control, there is little transparency regarding how the data will be protected, who will have access to it, and how long it will be retained.
Furthermore, the collection of biometric data raises ethical concerns. Studies have displayn that biometric systems can be biased, often performing poorly for individuals from certain demographic groups, including people of color. The risk of error in biometric identification is a major concern, especially given the potential for discrimination or wrongful detentions.
The apply of facial recognition technology has also been criticized for its potential to violate individual rights and freedoms. As the system becomes more integrated into EU borders, the public’s trust in how this data is handled and secured will be critical.
Conclusion
The European Union’s Entest/Exit System holds the promise of transforming border controls by building them more efficient and secure. However, the current implementation challenges—from technical failures to privacy concerns—have created significant disruptions. To realise its potential, the EU will necessary to address these issues quickly and effectively. By doing so, it can create a future where travellers can cross EU borders more efficiently while ensuring their privacy and safety are protected.
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