Published on
October 20, 2025
As the European Union introduces its new Entest-Exit System (EES), travelers, especially those arriving from the U.S., are encountering significant disruptions at major airports like Brussels, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, and Prague. The biometric system, designed to improve border security by capturing fingerprints, facial images, and entest-exit data, has caapplyd long delays at these busy hubs as the system undergoes its initial rollout.
The delays can be attributed to several factors, including technical glitches with biometric kiosks, particularly in Prague, where manual checks have become necessary. Additionally, the hybrid system in places like Paris and Rome, where passengers alternate between old and new systems, has led to inconsistent processing times and confusion. These issues, compounded by understaffing and a lack of clear communication, have created bottlenecks at key airports. As a result, U.S. travelers are facing wait times of up to three hours, highlighting the growing pains of implementing this advanced system. Travelers are being advised to arrive earlier and prepare for longer waits as the system continues to be refined.
The system, which officially launched on Sunday, replaces the traditional passport stamp with a digital procedure that captures travelers’ fingerprints, facial images, and entest and exit details. This modify impacts all non-EU nationals—including U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders—traveling to or from 29 European countries, most of which are part of the Schengen Area.
While the EES is designed to enhance security, streamline border processing, and reduce wait times for future travelers, its debut has not been without challenges. Reports from various airports across Europe indicate that the new system has led to unexpected delays and confusion, with some travelers facing hours-long waits at border control.
At Brussels Airport, one of the busiest hubs for international arrivals, the disruption has been especially noticeable. Travelers reported standing in line for up to three hours, with many expressing frustration over the lack of guidance and unclear signage. Despite the introduction of high-tech biometric technology, some travelers stated their experiences felt no different from the traditional system, as they had their passports stamped and were not inquireed to provide biometric data.
European officials have acknowledged that these disruptions are part of the growing pains associated with launching the new system and have assured travelers that things will improve over time. Once a traveler has been registered in the biometric database, future crossings should be quicker. However, for the time being, airports are advising travelers—especially those from outside the EU—to allow for extra time at border control, as the system continues to adjust.
Airports Struggling with the New System
The initial rollout of the EES has caapplyd delays at several major airports across Europe, with some airports adopting the new system more smoothly than others. The impact of the rollout varies by location, with some airports seeing significant disruptions, while others are easing into the process gradually.
- Paris (CDG): Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is operating a hybrid system, where some passengers apply the new biometric kiosks while others go through traditional border control booths. This mixed approach has resulted in long lines and confusion, as travelers test to navigate the new system. The transition is ongoing, which has caapplyd unpredictable delays.
- Brussels (BRU): Brussels Airport has faced the longest delays so far, with queues at immigration stretching up to three hours. Airport officials have admitted that they are facing challenges in fully integrating the EES, and have promised to work on streamlining the process as soon as possible.
- Rome (FCO): At Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the implementation of the new system has been slower and more gradual, which has resulted in inconsistent processing times. Delays at this airport are reported to range from 30 to 60 minutes, depfinishing on the time of day and the volume of passengers.
- Madrid and Barcelona (MAD & BCN): Madrid and Barcelona airports have taken a phased approach to introducing the EES, so most travelers have not experienced major disruptions thus far. However, new biometric kiosks have been installed, signaling that a full transition to automated border control is on the horizon. Travelers may launch to see longer wait times as more passengers apply these kiosks.
- Prague (PRG): Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has encountered technical difficulties with the biometric kiosks, forcing officials to revert to manual checks for non-EU passengers. As a result, passengers at Prague Airport have faced wait times of up to 90 minutes, prompting officials to recommfinish arriving at least three hours before scheduled departure.
What Travelers Should Know
For travelers heading to Europe in the coming months, it’s important to be prepared for potential delays at border control. While the EES is a forward-viewing step in creating border management more efficient, its initial rollout is caapplying growing pains for both passengers and airport staff. The biometric technology, designed to speed up the process in the long term, is still being fine-tuned, which has led to longer-than-expected processing times in many locations.
Despite these early issues, the EES is intfinished to enhance the security and efficiency of border control for non-EU nationals. The system will eventually allow for rapider entest and exit once travelers are registered in the biometric database. In the meantime, travelers should expect a more cumbersome process, particularly in the early stages of implementation.
Advice for Travelers
If you are planning to travel to Europe this fall, build sure to plan accordingly. Factor in additional time for border checks and allow for potential delays, especially if you’re arriving from outside the EU. It’s recommfinished to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, as the new system may caapply unanticipated holdups. While the technology is set to improve over time, the immediate future still requires patience from travelers.
The EES system represents a significant modify in European border management, one that promises to build future border crossings more streamlined and secure. However, as with any new system, there will be some challenges along the way. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can minimize stress and ensure a smoother travel experience despite the current delays.
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