EU's New Biometric Entry System Causes Delays and Missed Flights for Travelers
The European Union has fully implemented the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) at all border crossings in the Schengen Area as of April 10, 2026. This system, which replaces manual passport stamps with face and fingerprint scans, aims to streamline and secure border crossings for non-EU nationals on short stays. However, the transition has led to significant delays at airport customs lines, with reports of waits up to six hours at popular destinations like Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Some travelers have missed connections due to these delays, and there have been issues with biometric kiosks not operating or being out of service. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has highlighted these 'teething problems' and warned that persistent delays could deter travelers from visiting Europe.