EU Border System Breakdown: Travelers Report Chaos at Airports Due to New Digital Checks

Published on November 21, 2025

Travelers flying into Europe have been reporting significant disruptions due to the EU’s new digital border system. The biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), which began rolling out on October 12, was introduced to enhance border security and streamline passenger flow. However, in practice, the system has faced widespread criticism for causing extensive delays, long queues, and confusion at airports, particularly in Spain. Tourists have described the experience as “pure chaos,” with many missing their flights due to the new procedures.

This biometric system, which requires non-EU travelers to scan their fingerprints and provide facial images when entering the Schengen Area for the first time, was designed to replace the traditional passport stamp process. Though it is set to become mandatory in April 2026, the system’s rollout has proven to be less efficient than anticipated, with non-EU passengers waiting in long lines while EU citizens breeze through the process. Videos from airports in Spain show visibly frustrated tourists struggling with the delays, as the automated kiosks struggle to function properly.

How the New System is Affecting Non-EU Travelers

The Entry/Exit System is supposed to improve security by collecting biometric data from travelers, allowing authorities to track entry and exit movements across the Schengen Area. However, many travelers have found the process slow and error-prone. Instead of the usual quick passport control experience, travelers now face the additional hurdle of biometric scans and waiting in long lines.

At major airports in Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona, the system has caused significant bottlenecks. Tourists and travelers from the UK, the US, and other non-EU countries have found themselves stuck behind lengthy queues while EU citizens are able to pass through with minimal delays, sparking complaints of inequality. One tourist traveling from the UK to Spain described their experience as “frustrating,” explaining that the process took more than an hour to complete, causing them to nearly miss their flight.

A Promising System with Unintended Consequences

While the system is meant to enhance security and speed up border checks in the long term, the immediate impact has been less than ideal. Border control agents at airports have expressed their dissatisfaction with the system’s current functionality. According to a report by Which?, a UK consumer group, one border guard in Alicante referred to the biometric system as “terrible,” citing frequent technical problems during testing. Some passengers have even encountered faulty scanners, further extending wait times. These issues have led to a situation where frustrated travelers are not only facing delays but also the possibility of missing their flights, which can be costly and stressful.

The rollout of the system has been marked by growing concerns among travelers and airport staff alike. The system, which is currently being tested in several airports, is set to become mandatory in April 2026. However, many travelers are urging the EU to address the current issues before it is fully implemented.

Biometric Border System: A Step Forward or a Setback?

The idea behind the Entry/Exit System is to modernize the EU’s border control operations and make them more efficient. Non-EU citizens must now register biometric data upon their first entry into the Schengen Area, after which they will be able to use automated kiosks for subsequent entries. The hope is that this will expedite the process for frequent travelers while maintaining a high level of security. However, the reality so far has been less seamless, with travelers reporting a cumbersome process that often leads to long delays.

While the system aims to increase security, particularly by identifying overstayers or individuals who might try to avoid visa or immigration checks, the growing number of complaints suggests that the technology needs further refinement. It is clear that the current infrastructure at major European airports is struggling to handle the volume of non-EU travelers, and these technical issues have highlighted significant flaws in the system’s initial rollout.

Impact on Tourism and the Need for Immediate Improvements

With millions of tourists traveling to Europe each year, the new border system is already creating a noticeable impact on the tourism industry. The delays have raised concerns among industry professionals, as the increased wait times at airports have the potential to discourage tourism. The growing frustration among travelers has been captured in videos circulating on social media, showing long queues and confused travelers trying to navigate the new system. These delays not only affect travelers’ experience but can also lead to missed connections and canceled flights, which can leave a negative impression on tourists.

Industry experts are urging the EU to make immediate improvements to the system, addressing the technical issues and ensuring that the biometric kiosks are able to handle the volume of passengers. Additionally, there is a call for more training for border staff to help guide passengers through the new process more efficiently. Until these issues are resolved, it is likely that travelers will continue to experience frustration at European airports.

Conclusion: A Need for Reform in EU Border Control

The introduction of the Entry/Exit System was intended to streamline border control and improve security. However, the chaotic scenes witnessed at several European airports highlight the significant hurdles that remain in the system’s implementation. With delays, technical failures, and complaints from travelers and staff alike, the EU must act swiftly to address these issues before the system becomes mandatory in 2026.

For now, tourists and travelers to Europe should be prepared for longer wait times and potential disruptions as the biometric system continues to be rolled out. Whether the system will eventually fulfill its promise of a more efficient and secure border experience remains to be seen. However, the growing frustration surrounding the current state of the system suggests that substantial improvements are necessary if it is to meet its goals.