Fiumicino Joins Malpensa, Marco Polo, and Many Other Airports in Major Border Overhaul with New Rules to Revert to Manual Passport Stamping Amid EES Delays and Long Queue Times Starting This Summer 2026

Image generated with Ai

Fiumicino, Malpensa, Marco Polo, and several other airports are implementing new border changes by reintroducing manual passport stamping starting this summer 2026. This move comes in response to the ongoing delays and long wait times caused by the European Entry/Exit System (EES). As passenger volumes rise and the biometric system strains airport resources, the new rules aim to alleviate congestion and ensure smoother border processing, providing relief to travelers facing lengthy queues.

Italy Temporarily Eases Border Entry System Amid Airport Delays: Manual Passport Stamping to Be Reintroduced

Italy has introduced a temporary solution to alleviate the mounting congestion at its airports just a month after the European Union’s mandatory Entry/Exit System (EES) was implemented. The new emergency decree drafted by Italy’s Interior Ministry permits border police at major airports, including Rome-Fiumicino, Milan-Malpensa, and Venice-Marco Polo, to bypass the biometric kiosks and revert to manual passport stamping when waiting times exceed 45 minutes. This hybrid approach is set to remain in place until 30 September 2026.

Growing Strain on Airport Operations

The introduction of the EES, which requires non-EU travellers to undergo fingerprint and facial scans, has significantly increased processing times at Italy’s busy airports. The system was designed to monitor border entry and exit more efficiently, but it has inadvertently created bottlenecks, especially during peak travel periods. Non-EU passengers have faced delays of up to two hours as they wait to enroll in the biometric system, particularly during the May half-term rush and the approaching summer tourist season.

The challenge lies in the spatial limitations of existing terminals, which were not designed to accommodate the added infrastructure for the biometric kiosks. Airport operators have pointed out that four EES kiosks occupy the same floor space as just one traditional passport control booth. As a result, the terminals are experiencing a strain on their resources, particularly as traffic increases.

The Hybrid Solution: Manual Stamping When Queues Surpass 45 Minutes

To address this issue, the new measure will activate a fallback procedure if queues exceed 45 minutes. The control halls will display live queue-time data, allowing officials to trigger manual stamping when required. While this provides immediate relief for passengers, airlines are still obligated to transmit Advance Passenger Information (API) for all travellers. This ensures that even when biometric data is not captured, overstays will continue to be tracked electronically.

This measure has been carefully crafted to ensure that passenger flow remains manageable without compromising border security. It aims to balance the need for speed with the logistical challenges faced by the airports and their limited capacity during high-traffic periods.

Impact on Travel Procedures

For travellers, this shift in border control procedures may seem confusing at first. However, several guidelines have been issued to mitigate any potential disruptions. Travellers are advised to ensure they have at least two blank passport pages available and to plan for longer connection times, as manual stamping procedures may take additional time. Additionally, passengers should keep their boarding passes as proof of the time spent in the Schengen area.

Business travellers, in particular, are encouraged to stay informed about the changes to avoid any complications with duty-of-care compliance. The manual stamping process could lead to discrepancies, such as missed or misread stamps, which may affect the accuracy of entry and exit records. To address this, companies are advising employees to photograph their passport stamps as backup documentation, ensuring they have clear proof of their entry and exit times.

The EU’s Growing Pains: Pressure Mounts for a Review of the EES Rollout

Italy’s decision to implement this temporary solution follows similar moves by Greece and Portugal, both of which have announced similar exceptions to biometric scanning in response to mounting pressure from travellers and industry stakeholders. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges with the EES rollout, as many have raised concerns over the system’s efficiency, particularly at high-traffic airports.

The Italian government’s action is expected to add pressure on the European Commission in Brussels to reassess the rollout timelines of the Entry/Exit System. The ongoing delays and disruptions could prompt further amendments or delays in the broader EU-wide implementation. A formal vote on the emergency decree is expected in the coming days, and if approved, the measure will be published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale and will go into effect immediately.

The Road Ahead: A Balancing Act for Border Control

This hybrid approach, while temporary, underscores the challenge of modernising border control systems without disrupting the travel experience. As airports and authorities adapt to the complexities of the EES, the flexibility of manual passport stamping will provide much-needed relief during high-traffic times. However, it also raises important questions about the scalability of the system and whether similar measures may need to be adopted in other European countries facing similar congestion issues.

In the meantime, passengers travelling to and from Italy should remain vigilant and plan their trips accordingly, keeping abreast of any updates related to border procedures and expected wait times. With the situation evolving rapidly, staying informed will be essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient journey through Europe’s busiest airports.

Ensuring a Seamless Travel Experience Despite Challenges

The introduction of manual stamping at Italy’s airports is a necessary and timely response to the delays and frustrations caused by the EU’s new biometric entry system. While this temporary solution aims to ease congestion during peak travel periods, it also highlights the importance of ensuring that technological advancements in border control do not undermine the traveller experience. As Italy and other European nations continue to refine their processes, it remains to be seen how the EES will evolve to better balance efficiency with convenience.