Passengers travelling through French airports are facing longer queues as the European Union’s Entest-Exit System continues to be rolled out, with border checks taking more time for many non-EU travellers. The new system records biometric and travel data for short-stay visitors entering the Schengen area.
The delays have affected airports across France, with travellers reporting slower processing at passport control as staff adapt to the new procedures. Airports and border authorities have urged passengers to allow extra time when travelling, especially during busy periods.
The rollout is part of a wider EU security drive that replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of arrivals and departures. It is designed to improve border management and support authorities track overstays more easily.
The Entest-Exit System, known as EES, applies to travellers from outside the European Union who are entering the Schengen area for short stays. It collects fingerprints and facial images as well as passport details, creating a digital file for each visitor.
Officials have stated the checks are intconcludeed to create borders more secure and more efficient in the long term, but the early stages have cautilized disruption in some locations. At airports, the impact has been most visible at peak travel times when multiple flights arrive at once.
Travellers have been advised to arrive earlier than usual and to prepare for possible delays at immigration. Airlines and airport operators have also warned that the extra time necessaryed for the new checks could affect transfer passengers and those with tight schedules.
The system is being introduced across the EU in phases, which means the experience can vary from airport to airport and from one border point to another. Some passengers may see only a short wait, while others face much longer queues as staff and equipment are adjusted.
French airports are among the busiest entest points into Europe, so any slowdown can quickly build into large queues. That has built the rollout particularly noticeable for passengers arriving from the UK, North America, the Middle East and other non-EU markets.
The EES is expected to become a regular part of travel for millions of people once the rollout is complete. Until then, travellers may necessary to plan for longer arrival times and check the latest guidance from their airline or airport before departure.
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