France joins Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and more struggle with EES border delays, prompting urgent travel warnings, extended processing times, and summer airport congestion across Schengen

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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May 27, 2026 13:44 GMT+5:30

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France joins Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and more in facing significant EES border delays, as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital biometric records. The rollout has caused extended queues, slower processing times, and congestion at major airports and border crossings, especially during the peak summer travel season. Non-EU travelers are experiencing longer waits due to the collection of fingerprints, facial scans, and passport data, while differences in implementation across countries have intensified disruptions, prompting urgent travel warnings and forcing visitors to plan carefully for trips across the Schengen Area.

Summer travel across Europe in 2026 is being reshaped by a significant change at borders. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational from April 10, 2026, has replaced traditional passport stamps with digital biometric records, capturing fingerprints, facial images, and passport details for non-EU travelers. This initiative, designed to streamline border management and improve security across the Schengen Area, has instead produced significant bottlenecks at major airports, ferry ports, and border crossings.

Travelers entering Europe this summer are advised to anticipate extended processing times, prepare for missed connections, and adjust itineraries accordingly. While the system promises greater efficiency in the long term, its initial rollout has highlighted challenges in coordination, staffing, and country-specific implementation.

Key Features of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

• Digital Record-Keeping: Passports are no longer stamped; every entry and exit is recorded digitally.
• Biometric Registration: Fingerprints (typically four fingers) and a facial image are collected upon first entry.
• Traveler Information: Name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number, and refusals of entry are logged.
• Short-Stay Tracking: Stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period are monitored automatically.
• Mandatory for Non-EU Nationals: Travelers from countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan are included.

There is no pre-registration, app, or fee required. Biometric collection occurs exclusively at the border during arrival and departure, ensuring that first-time travelers experience longer processing times, while repeat visitors benefit from faster entries once their data is stored.

Countries Experiencing Major Travel Hurdles

Travel disruptions are uneven across Europe, with some nations reporting more pronounced challenges than others. The following is a detailed overview of affected countries and travel points:

• France:
  French airports and border points have been particularly affected by lengthy queues and delays. Ports connecting to the UK, especially Dover, have reported hours-long waits for non-EU travelers. Adjustments, such as temporarily pausing biometric registration, have been implemented to reduce congestion.
• Greece:
  Greek border authorities have faced inconsistent processing, with some airports temporarily pausing scanners to maintain passenger flow. Busy hubs such as Athens and Thessaloniki are most affected, especially during peak summer travel.
• Spain:
  Airports in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Tenerife South, have encountered prolonged processing times for travelers. High tourist volumes have amplified delays, creating knock-on effects on connecting flights.
• Italy:
  Italian gateways, particularly Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, and Naples, have been impacted by the new biometric procedures, causing slowdowns during high-volume arrivals.
• Portugal:
  Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports have experienced temporary pauses in biometric data collection, forcing travelers to adjust schedules and prepare for additional wait times.
• Belgium:
  Brussels and Antwerp airports have reported bottlenecks, particularly at automated border gates, as border authorities adapt to EES requirements.
• Netherlands:
  Schiphol Airport has implemented staggered processing measures, though some travelers still experience queueing during peak hours.
• Austria:
  Vienna and Salzburg airports have experienced slower processing, particularly at non-EU arrival gates.
• Germany:
  Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Brandenburg airports have been subject to extended entry procedures, with additional staff required to manage lines.
• Switzerland:
  Zurich, Geneva, and Basel airports, while not fully in the Schengen EES coverage, have adopted similar biometric checks for non-EU arrivals, resulting in minor delays.
• Other Schengen Countries:
  Smaller airports in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Hungary are adjusting processes, sometimes pausing scanners during heavy traffic. Even low-volume points can create localized travel disruptions.

Notably, Ireland and Cyprus remain exempt from EES, and traditional passport stamps continue to be used. Travelers transiting through Dublin or Nicosia will experience familiar entry procedures.

Practical Travel Guidance for Summer 2026

• Early Arrival: Travelers are encouraged to arrive two to three hours before international flights to account for longer border processing.
• Check Passport Validity: Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the return date.
• Carry Essentials in Hand Luggage: Phones, chargers, medication, and snacks are recommended in case of prolonged queues.
• Avoid Tight Connections: Sufficient buffer time should be included for connecting flights within the Schengen Area.
• Expect Variation by Country: Border experience may differ depending on airport, ferry port, or road crossing, as implementation can be inconsistent.

Airlines are not responsible for missed connections caused by government border procedures, as delays originate from mandatory biometric processing, not airline operations.

The Future: ETIAS Authorization

While EES tracks entry and exit, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will introduce an additional pre-trip step in late 2026. Visa-exempt non-EU travelers will be required to:

• Apply online for travel authorization before entering Europe.
• Provide personal information and travel plans, including passport details.
• Pay a small processing fee for approval.

ETIAS will cover 30 European countries, streamlining entry for travelers once approved but adding another pre-departure requirement for Americans and other non-EU nationals.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) represents a fundamental shift in how Europe manages its borders, replacing stamps with digital and biometric tracking. While designed to improve security and efficiency, the system’s rollout has led to widespread travel disruptions this summer.

France joins Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and more in facing EES border delays as digital biometric checks slow processing, create long queues, and disrupt summer travel across Schengen.

Countries most affected include France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and smaller Schengen points. Travelers can expect long lines, slower airport processing, and potential missed connections, particularly during peak summer tourist seasons.