Poland Unites With Finland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Malta, Spain, And More As Europe Cracks Down On Impacting Christmas And New Year Travel With EES Biometric Checks In Schengen Area: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Poland unites with Finland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Malta, Spain, and more as Europe faces significant travel disruptions during the 2025 Christmas and New Year period due to the rollout of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). This new biometric registration system, which requires non-EU nationals to provide fingerprints and facial scans at Schengen borders, has led to longer queues and delays, especially during peak travel times. With the system’s technical glitches still causing issues at major hubs, travelers are warned to expect additional hassles when crossing borders in the Schengen Area this holiday season.

As Europe braces for a bustling holiday season, new travel restrictions tied to the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) are causing significant disruptions. The EES, which went live on October 12, 2025, requires biometric registration for all non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. This system, designed to replace the old manual passport stamping method, introduces biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) at various border points across the 29 Schengen countries. The phased rollout of the system has been met with several technical glitches, resulting in longer wait times at major entry points.

For travelers hoping to enjoy smooth travel through the Schengen Area during the peak Christmas and New Year periods, the EES presents a new set of challenges. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the EES is affecting travel across the 29 countries involved, explore the impact on holiday plans, and offer practical advice to minimize disruptions during the festive season.

The EES and Its Impact on Travel

The EES was introduced to improve security and streamline border management within the Schengen Area, which includes 25 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein). The system mandates biometric data collection for all non-EU nationals who are traveling for short stays, including tourists, business travelers, and other visitors. This is in addition to existing passport and visa checks.

The list of 29 countries involved in the EES rollout includes:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Czech Republic
6. Denmark
7. Estonia
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hungary
13. Iceland
14. Italy
15. Latvia
16. Liechtenstein
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. Netherlands
21. Norway
22. Poland
23. Portugal
24. Romania
25. Slovakia
26. Slovenia
27. Spain
28. Sweden
29. Switzerland

Despite the system’s intention to speed up border checks in the long run, the initial months of implementation have seen significant delays and issues, particularly at major travel hubs. Airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol, along with popular land crossings like those in Dover, have been overwhelmed by high traveler volumes. Many travelers are experiencing 45-75 minute wait times during peak periods, and some are opting to avoid trips to Europe altogether, with a survey revealing that 29% of UK adults have refrained from booking European holidays due to the new system.

Holiday Travel Disruptions: Christmas and New Year 2025

With Christmas and New Year falling in the midst of the EES rollout, the 2025 holiday season is expected to bring even greater disruptions. Travel between December 20 and 26, and again from December 31 to January 2, is expected to be particularly chaotic. As people travel for family gatherings, leisure, and events, airports are bracing for overwhelmed systems that could result in long lines and delays.

Airlines are warning passengers to arrive at least 3.5 to 4 hours before their scheduled flights to account for delays caused by the new biometric checks. This recommendation is especially relevant for major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol, where high volumes of travelers combined with new systems are leading to frustration.

In addition to delays at airports, there is also a notable impact on ferry services. The port of Dover, a major point of entry for travelers to and from the UK, has opted to delay full implementation of the EES until early 2026 to avoid disrupting Christmas travel. While this provides some relief for passengers traveling by sea, those flying into Europe are not so fortunate.

The Broader Impact on European Tourism and Events

The EES is not only disrupting the movement of tourists but is also expected to have a significant impact on events throughout Europe, particularly those attracting international visitors. Major events planned for the holiday season, such as Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and Belgium, the renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paris and Edinburgh, and the many cultural festivals across the continent, are seeing shifts in attendance.

In cities like Berlin, Prague, and Vienna, where Christmas markets are a major draw for tourists, travelers are now facing increased wait times to enter the country, potentially impacting their ability to fully enjoy these seasonal attractions. While these markets have become iconic in the lead-up to the holiday season, visitors now face delays before they can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Similarly, the EES is expected to affect attendance at high-profile New Year’s events in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London. Many travelers may be discouraged from making long-haul flights, particularly those concerned about additional hassle at border crossings. The extra time needed for biometric registration may even make some tourists reconsider their plans to attend key festivals and events, which often rely on efficient travel across Europe.

The Traveler Experience: Tips for Managing EES Delays

Given the potential for significant delays during the holiday season, travelers heading to Europe should take extra precautions to ensure smooth journeys. Here are some tips to mitigate the effects of the EES rollout:

1. Arrive Early: Non-EU travelers should aim to arrive at airports 3-4 hours before their flight. This will allow time for biometric registration and other potential delays caused by the new system. The EES rollout is still in its early stages, so expect the unexpected.
2. Monitor Airport Apps and Websites: Many airports are offering real-time updates on wait times through their apps and websites. Check these for the latest information on queue lengths, so you can adjust your arrival time accordingly.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Times: If possible, travel during the lulls between the busy holiday periods (such as December 28-30 or January 3-5). These days are expected to have shorter wait times, as they fall outside the Christmas and New Year peaks.
4. Avoid the Busiest Airports: Major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol are expected to face the longest wait times. If possible, consider flying through less crowded airports or taking alternative routes to avoid the busiest hubs.
5. Repeat Visitors Get a Break: If you’ve traveled to Europe in the past three years, you’ll only need to provide biometric data rather than going through the full registration process again. This will save time for frequent travelers, who won’t have to repeat the process unless they’ve been absent for an extended period.

The Long-Term Benefits of EES

While the initial challenges associated with the EES rollout are frustrating for both travelers and airports, there are long-term benefits that are expected to materialize once the system becomes fully operational. The biometric data collected will improve border security, reduce human error, and ultimately speed up the entry and exit process as the system matures. Over time, the kiosks and e-gates should become more efficient, reducing wait times and allowing travelers to pass through more quickly.

Additionally, the EES is expected to provide European authorities with more accurate data on tourist flows, which could lead to better planning and resource allocation in the future. This could help mitigate future congestion issues, particularly during peak travel seasons.

The Final Word: Navigating the New Norm

As travelers face the growing pains of the EES system during the 2025 holiday season, it’s clear that there will be significant disruptions in the short term. The phased implementation of biometric registration is causing longer queues, frustrating holiday plans, and shifting the way people approach their European trips. However, with patience, preparation, and strategic travel planning, these disruptions can be managed, and the benefits of a more efficient, secure border system will eventually outweigh the current frustrations.

Whether you’re traveling for a holiday, attending a major European event, or exploring Europe’s charming cities and landscapes, the key to success this holiday season will be proactive planning. Keep a close eye on airport updates, consider adjusting your travel dates, and above all, arrive prepared for the new EES process.

Poland unites with Finland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Malta, Spain, and more as Europe faces significant travel disruptions during the 2025 holiday season due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The system, requiring biometric registration for non-EU nationals, has led to longer waits at Schengen borders, especially at peak travel times.

As Europe navigates the growing pains of the EES system, travelers can rest assured that the system is designed to enhance the long-term travel experience across the continent. The current delays will eventually ease, and by 2026, smoother, faster travel will be the new norm for those entering and exiting the Schengen Area.