New EU border system causes airport queues up to five hours, German airports demand flexibility
The EU's Entry-Exit System, introduced gradually since October 2025, is causing long waits for non-Schengen travellers, with some airports reporting queues of up to five hours and missed flights.
What is the EES?
The EU began rolling out the Entry-Exit System (EES) in October 2025 to strengthen its external borders. Non-Schengen citizens must now provide biometric data (fingerprints and a facial photo) and passport details at each border crossing, replacing the old passport stamp. The process takes longer per person, and the required self-service kiosks have not been equally well prepared across member states.
Airport chaos
Airports association ACI reports waiting times of up to five hours, queues stretching onto the tarmac, and missed connections. The German Airports Association (ADV) says waiting times at some German airports have reached two hours.
The processing times have risen significantly, leading to unacceptably long waiting times.
- EU begins gradual rollout of Entry-Exit System for non-Schengen travellers.
- Airports report waiting times up to five hours; German airport association calls for flexibility.
Country responses
Several popular holiday destinations, including Greece, Portugal, Italy, France and Belgium, have repeatedly suspended biometric checks to avoid angering tourists, especially from the UK. EU rules allow temporary suspensions when capacity is insufficient and large queues form, initially for six hours but renewable indefinitely.
Germany's mixed picture
The EU has called Germany a model student, but even here checks have been suspended in individual cases. Frankfurt Airport asks EES travellers to arrive three hours before departure. Schengen citizens are not affected and can use the automated Easypass system. An EU pre-registration app exists but has so far only been adopted by Sweden and Portugal.
The biggest bottlenecks arise from the time-consuming biometric capture at the first border crossing and the lack of digital pre-registration of passenger data.
EU stance
Despite criticism, the European Commission maintains the system is working well overall. A spokesperson said on Wednesday that the impact on travellers is limited in most EU states.
