Long Queues During EES Launch
On October 12, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) finally launched, marked by a rocky start. Travelers had to endure as long as four-hour waiting times, puzzled staff, and delayed passport controls.
In particular, the system aims to introduce facial and fingerprint scanning as part of new biometric border checks. Meanwhile, the overarching ambition is to digitize entry for non-EU visitors. Website Time Out has identified the airports at Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt to suffer the most delays.
Overall, EES effectively replaces manual passport stamping through the capture and storage of facial and fingerprint data. But so far, the launch has significantly put a strain on airport systems and revealed notable technical glitches. In particular, employee relations expert Jim Moore told The Register, “The officials were having to do it themselves. It’s a classic multi-thread to single-thread problem.”
What the EES Was Designed to Do
Specifically, the EES forms part of the EU’s Smart Borders package, designed to boost security and automate traveler tracking. Correspondingly, the system records biometric and passport data of non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
Officials claim this data helps identify overstayers and improve the accuracy of border records. Meanwhile, each registration remains valid for three years, allowing faster processing on subsequent trips.
Delays and Rule Violations
Since the first day of implementation, airports have reported widespread slowdowns and system outages. In particular, University of Luxembourg professor Niovi Varoula noted that EES kiosks were non-operational in Estonia, according to Biometric Update.
Meanwhile, at Vaclav Havel Airport, staff had to manage swelling lines and frustrated passengers. In fact, some travelers were still manually stamped when biometric scanners failed.
Furthermore, a report revealed “rule violations” as travel journalist Simon Calder had to register fingerprints from both hands, when the system requires only a minimum of four.
Such actions may compromise data integrity and compliance with EU law. Additionally, inconsistent enforcement also undermines the credibility of the new system.
Across the Schengen Zone, these issues have ripple effects. Tour groups have missed connections, and airport lounges are overflowing. Moreover, travel agents warn that delays could worsen as holiday travel peaks.
Industry Pushback
Despite these setbacks, EU officials have urged patience. They insist the EES launch is part of a “phased” rollout that allows for technical refinement. According to internal projections, full system stabilization may take until April 2026.
However, airlines and airports are not convinced. Industry groups warn that “insufficient testing” and “resource shortfalls” are harming passenger experience. Furthermore, delays have increased average border processing times since the EES launch.
Additionally, travel experts predict negative economic impacts if the system fails to stabilize. In 2024, over 244 million non-EU travelers entered the Schengen Zone. Even small disruptions could translate into millions of lost passenger hours and higher airline costs.
EES Privacy Concerns Raised
Beyond delays, privacy advocates are raising alarms about biometric data storage. This is because the EES database will contain millions of fingerprints and facial scans linked to travel histories. Critics say such sensitive data must be handled under strict oversight. Some member states have yet to finalize national compliance measures.
Still, the European Commission maintains that all personal data is processed under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Authorities have also pledged to review system performance before expanding to smaller crossings and ferry ports. If necessary, further legislative adjustments could follow.
Looking ahead, the EU plans to link EES with the upcoming ETIAS visa-waiver system, set for launch in 2026. Together, they aim to form a unified digital entry control framework for the entire Schengen Area. However, the current turmoil suggests this vision remains a distant goal.
What to Expect Next for EES
For now, travelers are advised to prepare for longer processing times. Officials recommend arriving at least three hours before departure for international flights. They also advise checking airport websites for real-time queue updates. In the meantime, airports continue to expand self-service kiosks and improve staff training.
Despite frustration, officials stress the benefits will become clear once systems stabilize. If EES achieves its goals, it could mark a new era of seamless digital travel across Europe. However, until then, patience remains essential for millions crossing the continent’s digital borders.
Conclusion
The EES launch underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with execution. However, early evidence shows significant operational and technical hurdles.
As travel rebounds post-pandemic, the EU’s capacity to manage these pressures will determine the system’s fate. For now, passengers continue to queue, officials troubleshoot, and Europe learns how complex digitizing its borders can be.
Photo: X/Port of Dover
