EU's new border system causes chaos at airports

The European Union's new Entry-Exit System (EES), which replaced passport stamping with biometric checks for non-EU travellers, has caused significant delays and long queues at airports across the bloc since its full implementation in April 2026. Some passengers have faced waits of up to five hours, leading to missed connecting flights and widespread frustration as the summer holiday season begins. Source: clarin Source: elconfidencial

What happened

The EES requires travellers from outside the Schengen area (including British, US, and Canadian citizens) to have their fingerprints and photo taken upon entry and exit. The process is slower than the previous manual stamping, especially for first-time visitors. Airports most affected include Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife Sur, Lisbon, Rome, Brussels, and Berlin-Brandeburg. Source: clarin Source: elconfidencial ACI Europe reports that processing times have increased by up to 70% in some airports. Source: elconfidencial

The reaction

Airlines and airport operators have urged the European Commission to suspend the system for July and August, warning of "critical" disruptions. However, the Commission has deemed a full suspension "impossible" and "not necessary," though it acknowledges 20 "problem points" with long queues. Source: infobae Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that work is ongoing to resolve technical issues, but the system brings "transparency" to border controls. Source: portafolioco

What's next

The launch of the separate European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a €20 online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, is reportedly delayed until 2027 due to the chaotic EES rollout. Source: euronewses EU-Lisa, the agency responsible, has recognised that ETIAS cannot be implemented until EES issues are resolved.