France Outspaces Italy, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Many Others to be Significantly Affected as Europe’s New EES Biometric Border Checks Have Created Massive Disruption for Non-EU Travellers Entering and Leaving the Schengen Area

Written By: Anamika Talukder

Anamika Talukder

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July 7, 2026 01:27 GMT+5:30

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France leads Europe’s EES border disruption as Italy, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland face major biometric travel delays for non-EU travellers.

A new digital entry procedure has created uncertainty at several international gateways, forcing authorities, airports and passengers to adjust to a completely different arrival experience. The transformation was designed to strengthen security, improve identity management and create a smoother process in the future. However, the early phase has brought operational pressure at busy checkpoints.

Thousands of visitors are now being advised to prepare extra time before departures, connections and arrivals. The additional verification steps require patience, especially during high-demand periods when large groups reach terminals at the same moment. Airlines and airport operators are reviewing passenger flows, staffing levels and infrastructure capacity to reduce congestion.

The challenge is not limited to one location. Popular holiday destinations, business hubs and international gateways are all adapting to stricter digital requirements. Tourism organisations are closely watching the situation because long waiting periods can influence visitor satisfaction and destination reputation.

Authorities believe the difficulties will gradually decrease as people become familiar with the procedure and officials improve handling methods. Until then, passengers planning international journeys should remain prepared, check official guidance and allow additional time for airport formalities.

Europe EES Border Delays: Countries, Airports and Travellers Most Affected

Why Are These Countries Facing Delays?

Countries Outside Schengen Also Affected Indirectly

Although EES applies at Schengen external borders, travellers from non-Schengen countries feel the biggest consequences.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Why Is Europe’s EES System Creating Delays for International Travellers?

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) was introduced to modernise Schengen border controls by replacing manual passport stamping with automated biometric registration. Under the new system, non-European Union travellers must provide facial images and fingerprints when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The long-term goal is to create faster and more secure border movements, but the transition period has created significant challenges at busy European gateways.

The biggest issue is that millions of visitors are experiencing the biometric process for the first time. Unlike traditional passport checks, the EES procedure requires additional steps, including identity verification and digital registration. During peak travel periods, these extra procedures have increased waiting times at airports, ferry terminals and land crossings.

Major tourism destinations have been particularly affected because they handle enormous numbers of international visitors every day. Countries such as France, Italy and Spain welcome some of the world’s largest volumes of foreign tourists, meaning even small increases in border-processing times can create large queues.

Airlines and airports have warned that passengers connecting through major European hubs may require additional time before reaching departure gates. Travellers arriving from countries outside the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom, United States, India, Canada and Australia, are among those most affected because they must complete EES checks.

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How Is France Being Affected by the EES System Delays?

France is among the European countries facing pressure from the new Entry/Exit System (EES) because of its huge international tourism market and busy border points. Major gateways such as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly Airport, ferry terminals and land borders are experiencing longer processing times as non-EU travellers complete biometric registration. UK visitors, American tourists and long-haul passengers are particularly affected due to the high volume of arrivals. The additional fingerprint and facial recognition checks are increasing waiting times during peak travel periods. France’s aviation and tourism sectors are closely monitoring the situation as delays could affect passenger connections, airport operations and visitor experience.

How Is Italy Being Impacted by EES Border Processing Delays?

Italy is experiencing EES-related pressure due to its position as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Airports including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice and Naples are managing increased immigration processing requirements for non-EU travellers. The country receives millions of international visitors every year, including cruise passengers arriving through Mediterranean ports. The biometric registration process is creating longer queues because travellers must complete additional identity checks before entering the Schengen Area. Summer tourism peaks could increase congestion, especially in cities and coastal regions dependent on international arrivals. Airlines, airports and tourism operators are preparing for longer passenger processing times.

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How Is Portugal Facing Challenges Due to the EES Implementation?

Portugal is among the countries vulnerable to EES delays because of its strong dependence on international tourism. Major airports such as Lisbon Airport, Porto and Faro are handling increased border-control procedures as visitors complete biometric checks. Portugal attracts large numbers of travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Brazil, creating additional pressure at entry points. The Algarve region and cruise destinations are particularly sensitive because they receive high numbers of seasonal visitors. Longer immigration queues could affect airport transfers, holiday schedules and passenger satisfaction. Authorities are working to improve processing capacity while ensuring that Portugal remains competitive as a leading European travel destination.

How Is Poland Being Affected by the New EES Border Control System?

Poland is also experiencing changes as the EES introduces digital border checks for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. Airports including Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków Airport and other international gateways are adapting to new biometric procedures. Compared with Western European tourism giants, Poland handles fewer international leisure arrivals, but its growing tourism sector and increasing foreign visitor numbers mean border efficiency remains important. Business travellers, international students and tourists may experience longer waiting times during the transition period. The main challenge for Poland is ensuring that border infrastructure, technology and staffing levels can manage the additional requirements without affecting passenger movement.

How Is Germany Managing EES Delays at Its Major Travel Hubs?

Germany faces EES-related disruption because it operates some of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, including Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. These airports serve as major connection points between Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East. The introduction of biometric checks has increased processing requirements for passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area. Business travellers and passengers with connecting flights are particularly concerned because longer border queues could affect tight transfer schedules. Germany’s role as a global aviation hub means even small delays can have wider impacts across European air networks. Authorities are focusing on improving digital systems and passenger-flow management.

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How Is Belgium Being Affected by EES Border Delays?

Belgium is facing EES-related challenges mainly because of the importance of Brussels Airport as an international gateway and business travel hub. The airport handles passengers from across the world, including diplomatic, corporate and leisure travellers. The new biometric registration process adds extra steps for non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area. During busy travel periods, longer passport-control queues could affect passenger experience and flight connections. Belgium’s central location also makes it important for rail and road travellers crossing external Schengen borders. The country is preparing its border infrastructure to manage increased demand while maintaining smooth movement for international visitors.

How Is Switzerland Being Impacted by the EES System Changes?

Switzerland is affected by the EES system because it participates in the Schengen Area despite not being a European Union member. Major entry points such as Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport and Basel borders are adapting to the new biometric requirements for non-EU travellers. Switzerland receives millions of international visitors for tourism, business, skiing and luxury travel, making efficient border processing essential. UK travellers, American visitors and overseas tourists may experience longer checks during the transition period. The country’s airports and border authorities are working to integrate the technology while reducing disruption. Maintaining smooth arrivals is particularly important for Switzerland’s tourism industry and international connectivity.

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Could EES Delays Affect Europe’s Tourism Recovery and Summer Travel Growth?

Europe’s tourism industry has continued to recover strongly after pandemic-related disruption, but border delays create a new challenge for destinations trying to improve visitor experience.

Tourism authorities across Europe have invested heavily in attracting international visitors through easier visa processes, improved infrastructure and stronger air connectivity. However, long queues at arrival points could influence traveller satisfaction and destination perception.

Popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece depend heavily on international tourism revenue. A negative airport experience can affect future travel decisions, especially among repeat visitors and premium travellers who expect efficient services.

Airlines are also monitoring the situation because missed connections, passenger complaints and longer airport processing times can increase operational costs. Additional staff requirements and passenger support measures may become necessary during peak travel periods.

However, European authorities expect the challenges to reduce as travellers become familiar with the system and border agencies improve procedures. Once more passengers are registered, future crossings are expected to become faster because biometric information will already exist within the system.

What Should Travellers Do to Avoid EES-Related Problems?

Travellers planning European trips should prepare for longer border procedures, especially during busy holiday seasons. The most important advice is to avoid arriving at airports with limited time before flights or connections.

Passengers should consider reaching airports earlier than usual when departing from or arriving at Schengen destinations. Those travelling through major hubs should avoid very short connection times because immigration delays could affect onward flights.

Keeping passports easily accessible and following instructions from border officials can help speed up the registration process. Travellers should also ensure that their travel documents meet Schengen entry requirements before departure.

Cruise passengers, business travellers and families with connecting flights should allow additional flexibility in their schedules. During the early stages of EES implementation, delays may continue as airports and border agencies refine procedures.

Travel insurance policies covering missed connections and unexpected delays may also provide additional protection for international travellers.

Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of Travel And Tour World, notes, “Europe’s new biometric border system represents a major transformation in how international travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area. While the objective of improving security, accuracy and digital border management is understandable, the current challenges highlight the importance of careful implementation.

The disruption faced by countries such as France, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland shows that even advanced technology requires strong preparation, sufficient staffing and efficient infrastructure. Airports and border authorities must ensure that security improvements do not come at the cost of passenger convenience and tourism growth.

For millions of non-EU travellers, the first experience with a destination often begins at immigration control. Long queues, unclear procedures and unexpected delays can influence their overall perception of a country. This is especially important for Europe, where tourism contributes significantly to local economies, aviation networks and hospitality sectors.

The transition period will require patience from both travellers and authorities. Clear communication, better passenger guidance and improved digital systems will be essential to reduce confusion and maintain confidence.

The EES system has the potential to create a more secure and efficient travel environment in the long term. However, its success will depend on how effectively European countries balance border protection with the need to provide a smooth, welcoming experience for international visitors.”

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for Europe’s EES Border System?

Despite the current disruption, the European Entry/Exit System is expected to become an important part of Europe’s future border management strategy. Authorities believe biometric technology will eventually create a more efficient, secure and digitally connected travel system.

The transition period remains the biggest challenge. Airports, airlines, governments and travellers are adapting to a completely new process that changes decades of traditional border procedures.

Countries with the largest tourism industries will continue to experience the greatest pressure because of their high passenger volumes. France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany and Greece are likely to remain closely watched as they balance security requirements with the need to maintain smooth visitor flows.

For travellers, preparation will remain essential. While EES delays may create short-term inconvenience, the system is designed to improve border management and provide a more streamlined travel experience once fully established.

Europe’s tourism future depends not only on attracting visitors but also on ensuring that their journey begins and ends smoothly. How quickly countries adapt to EES will determine whether the system becomes a travel obstacle or a foundation for more efficient international mobility.

The introduction of the new digital entry framework has created short-term pressure because additional identity checks require more processing time at busy gateways. The reason behind the disruption is the transition from traditional procedures to advanced verification methods. The answer lies in better infrastructure, improved staffing and passenger awareness. Although current challenges are affecting international mobility, authorities expect smoother operations once the process becomes fully established and widely understood.