Holidaymakers face delays and missed flights as biometric checks are implemented
Category: Travel
Travellers heading to Europe are facing unexpected delays due to a new digital border system that has recently come into effect. The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to modernize border control by replacing manual passport stamping with automated data collection, but the transition has created confusion and longer wait times at airports, seaports, and land borders across the Schengen Area, particularly during its early days of implementation.
The EES requires non-European visitors to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and facial scans, along with basic travel details. This system is intended to improve security and track visitor movements more accurately, as well as to prevent overstaying and identity fraud. Yet, many travellers are experiencing longer queues due to the new procedures, with first-time users needing additional time for biometric registration. Border officers are still adapting to the updated system, which has slowed down processing at several entry points.
At Marseille-Provence Airport in France, for example, dozens of passengers attempted to block a departing flight after failing to clear passport control in time. Reports indicate that 83 passengers were unable to board due to delays caused by malfunctioning biometric kiosks and insufficient staffing. The situation reflects a growing trend of operational strain at major airports, with holidaymakers facing mounting disruptions as the EES is fully implemented for non-EU nationals.
The EES was fully launched on April 10, 2026, following a phased rollout that began six months prior. Under this new system, all non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, are required to undergo biometric checks to verify their eligibility to stay within the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. The European Commission has claimed that the system is functioning well in the majority of member states, with an average registration time of just 70 seconds. Yet, anecdotal evidence suggests that the reality on the ground is markedly different.
David Newton, a 43-year-old from Stourbridge, West Midlands, recently shared his experience of being stuck for over five hours in queues for the new EU border checks after a trip to Disneyland Paris. He, along with his wife Kimberly and their four-year-old daughter, arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport three hours before their return flight but ended up stranded for 11 hours in the departures area. He described the scene as "mayhem," with queues extending into duty-free shops and little communication from airport staff about the delays.
Newton's family was among thousands who missed flights due to the delays. He noted that only about a third of the airport's 15 passport control booths were manned, and many of the approximately 25 biometric registration kiosks were not functioning properly. Passengers were processed manually, which took around five minutes per person, exacerbating the backlog. "There were people from everywhere missing flights. It was crazy," he said.
As the summer travel season approaches, concerns are mounting over the potential for a system collapse without additional resources. Officials in Italy and Greece have already reported similar problems, with long queues and temporary suspensions of biometric checks to prevent severe congestion. Airport operators have warned that technical issues may persist, raising fears of broader disruptions as flexibility in enforcing EES rules is expected to end in September 2026.
Industry groups, including ACI Europe, which represent over 600 airports, have called for more staffing and improved technology to stabilize the system. They have highlighted that passengers are currently facing delays of up to three hours during peak travel periods, prompting calls for border control authorities to allow for the full suspension of EES when wait times become excessive.
In light of these challenges, travellers planning trips to Europe are advised to prepare adequately. Arriving earlier than usual, keeping documents ready, and staying informed about official travel updates can help mitigate stress during the immigration process. Authorities have urged patience during this transition period, emphasizing that they expect the process to become smoother over time.
As the EES system stabilizes, it is anticipated that future entries may be quicker for travellers whose biometric data has already been recorded. The system could also support automated border gates in the future, reducing the need for manual checks. For now, the travel experience remains fraught with uncertainty, particularly for those unfamiliar with the new procedures.
As David Newton noted, the experience has left him wary of flying to European destinations. "I’d probably drive. I just think the hassle of all that you can drive there quicker," he said, echoing the sentiments of many who have faced similar delays. With the summer travel season fast approaching, the pressure is on European authorities to resolve these issues and restore confidence in the travel experience.
In the coming months, travellers can expect to see continued adjustments as authorities work to improve efficiency at border checkpoints. With additional staff being deployed and training sessions for border officers underway, the hope is that the situation will improve. For those planning to travel to Europe, being prepared and flexible will be key to ensuring a smoother experience under the new system.