Key Takeaways:
- The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing delays of up to six hours at major airports.
- Problems are worst at hubs like Milan, Schiphol, and Frankfurt, especially during peak season.
- Smart workarounds include flying non-stop, using non-EU hubs like Istanbul or Doha, or choosing EES-free destinations like the UK, Ireland, or Turkey.
What Is EES and Why Is It Causing Chaos?
If you haven't heard, Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has turned airport arrivals into a nightmare. Since its rollout on April 10, 2026, travelers have reported waits of one to four hours—sometimes even longer—just to clear biometric checks.
The system requires all first-time visitors to EU and Schengen countries to register fingerprints or eye scans at automated kiosks upon arrival. The idea is to store this data for three years, making future trips faster. But right now, the reality is far from that dream.
Problems are worst at major hubs like Milan, Schiphol, Frankfurt, and Paris. A recent report by the Financial Times noted that airports in 15 countries have reported “very bad” delays, with some travelers waiting up to three hours just days after launch. As summer peaks, these waits could stretch to six hours or more, warns ETIAS.com.
Why the Delays Are So Unpredictable
The biggest issue is sheer unpredictability. Wait times vary wildly by airport, time of day, and even which kiosk you use. One traveler might breeze through in 20 minutes; another could be stuck for four.
Take my brother-in-law's experience: He flew into Amsterdam, and his wife's fingerprint scan failed multiple times. She had to leave the line and queue for a manned lane. After he wiped the glass screen clean, his scan worked—but the immigration officers did nothing to help others struggling.
This inconsistency makes planning impossible. Do you budget an extra hour or four? Either way, you risk wasting time or missing a connection.
The Smartest Move: Rethink Your Destination
The simplest way to avoid EES delays is not to go to Europe this summer. It sounds drastic, but Europe will still be there next year—and the problems may not be resolved until 2028.
Instead, consider destinations that are EES-free but still offer amazing summer experiences:
- Turkey: Ultra-easy access from the U.S., rich culture, and great value. Istanbul Airport is a modern hub without EES.
- The United Kingdom: No EES, plenty of non-stop flights, and summer is short but beautiful.
- Ireland: An EU country exempt from EES. It's close to the U.S. and offers stunning landscapes.
- Montenegro or Serbia: Non-EU Balkan gems with fewer crowds and no biometric queues.
If travelers shift away from Europe, it could cost the continent $45.4 billion in lost visitor spending, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. That might force change.
How to Fly Smarter If You Must Go to Europe
If you can't skip Europe, your routing choices are critical. The golden rule: Do not change planes inside the Schengen Area unless absolutely necessary.
1. Fly Non-Stop to Your Destination
Non-stop flights from the U.S. to European cities bypass the need to clear EES at a hub. Examples:
- American Airlines flies non-stop to Venice from Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
- United now serves San Sebastian and Mallorca non-stop.
- Delta connects Atlanta and JFK to many European cities.
2. Use EES-Free Hubs
If you must connect, use hubs outside the Schengen zone:
- Istanbul (Turkish Airlines): The Skytrax Best Airline in Europe, with 14 U.S. gateways. Istanbul Airport is modern, and Turkey is EES-free.
- Dublin or Shannon (Aer Lingus): Ireland has no EES, and you can connect to onward flights.
- London (Heathrow): Yes, Heathrow has its issues, but no EES makes it a better bet than Frankfurt or Milan.
3. For Long-Haul Trips, Avoid European Transfers
If you're flying to destinations like India, South Africa, or Japan, avoid connecting in Europe. Choose carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines instead. They route through Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul—all EES-free.
Pre-Register—But Don't Expect Miracles
Apple users can download the Travel to Europe app to pre-register biometrics up to 72 hours before departure. It speeds things up a bit, but you still face in-person kiosk lines. Android users are out of luck for now.
The Bottom Line: Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best
EES delays are not going away soon. If you travel to Europe this summer, expect delays of one to four hours and plan accordingly. Build extra time into your itinerary, especially if you have a cruise or time-sensitive event.
But the best advice is: Choose your destination and routing wisely. The world is full of incredible places that don't involve biometric lines—and this summer, they might be your ticket to a stress-free vacation.
Safe travels!