Visiting Europe this summer? Long airport queues may affect your travel

Travellers heading to Europe should prepare for longer wait times at airports as the European Union rolls out its new digital border control system. Brussels’ Zaventem airport has reported that the gradual implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) has already caused delays of up to three hours for non-EU passengers, leaving hundreds of travellers missing flights, according to an AFP report.

The system, introduced to replace traditional passport stamps with digital registration and biometric data collection, will be fully operational across all participating EU countries from April 10, 2026.

Authorities say the changes aim to strengthen border security and improve tracking of short-term visitors, but technical difficulties during the rollout are creating temporary bottlenecks.

Gradual rollout and current delays

The EU has been gradually introducing the system since October 2025. It will become fully operational on April 10, 2026, at all external border points of the 29 European countries using the system.

Brussels Zaventem airport reported that last week, waiting times for non-European passengers reached two hours at departures and over three hours at arrivals, resulting in around 600 missed flights.

What the EES does

The EES records travellers’ personal and passport information, including entry and exit dates, and stores biometric identifiers such as facial images and fingerprints. The exact data collected depends on whether a traveller needs a short-stay visa. Those requiring a visa have their facial image recorded, while visa-exempt travellers have both facial images and four fingerprints stored.

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint scans.

The system aims to improve border security by accurately identifying individuals, reducing cases of mistaken identity, preventing trafficking, and assisting in law enforcement. It also simplifies monitoring overstays and entry refusals.

How the EES tracks travel stays

The Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to non-EU nationals visiting European countries for short stays, whether they hold a short-stay visa or are exempt from one for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The system collects travel document information and other personal data, including entry and exit dates, which are registered electronically. This digital record helps facilitate border crossings, making checks faster and more reliable.

The EES also monitors compliance with the allowed stay period. If a traveller overstays, the system identifies and records this information. Similarly, any refusal of entry by authorities is documented in the system, ensuring accurate tracking of visitors across all participating EU countries. This helps border agencies manage short-term travel while improving security and preventing irregular stays.