Key Takeaways:
- EU chief Ursula von der Leyen admits the new Entry/Exit System (EES) still faces "a lot of work" to resolve technical issues.
- Airlines and airports report wait times of up to five hours, urging Brussels to allow suspension during peak travel.
- Since October 2025, 108 million entries/exits were processed under EES; 44,000 people were refused entry.
- A crucial meeting with industry representatives is set for July 7 to assess the situation.
EU Leader Acknowledges EES Rollout Flaws
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday conceded that the new Entry/Exit System (EES)—introduced to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers—has significant glitches. "There's still quite a lot of work to do to have these technical issues solved together with the member states," she told reporters.
Her comments come after European airports and airlines issued stark warnings that the system is causing wait times of up to five hours at border crossings, especially at major hubs. They are demanding urgent action before the summer travel season.
What Is the EES and Why Does It Matter?
The EES is a digital border check system that records personal data and biometrics (like fingerprints and facial images) for non-EU travelers entering or exiting the Schengen area. It aims to track overstays and refusals of entry more efficiently than old passport stamps.
The system is used by all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, plus non-EU Schengen states like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.
Since its launch in October 2025, EES has processed 108 million entries and exits. Of those, 44,000 people were prevented from entering—most due to missing travel documents or visas, an EU official confirmed.
Summer Chaos Fears: Airlines Push for Suspensions
With European airports expecting up to 40 million additional passengers this summer, the pressure is mounting. The ACI Europe airports group, the A4E airline association, and IATA (representing over 360 airlines) jointly called for countries to be able to fully suspend EES checks during periods of heavy traffic to avoid gridlock.
Von der Leyen did not commit to any suspension, but the European Commission has scheduled a meeting with industry representatives on July 7 to take stock.
Brussels Pushes Back, Points to Member State Consent
While acknowledging technical hurdles, EU officials have also pushed back at criticism. One official described the impact at most airports as "limited" and stressed that EU member states had agreed to the reform. In a pointed remark, the official added: "If you're unhappy, then join the Schengen area."
What Travelers Need to Know
- Be prepared for longer wait times, especially at busy airports like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.
- Check your documents before travel—missing visas or incorrect travel papers are the top reasons for entry denial.
- Allow extra time at border controls, ideally arriving three hours before international flights.
- Stay updated on local rules, as some countries may implement temporary suspensions or adjustments.
The EES is here to stay, but its rollout remains a work in progress. Travelers should brace for ongoing delays, particularly during peak summer months.
The situation is fluid, and the upcoming July 7 meeting could bring policy changes. For now, the EU and airlines are scrambling to avoid a repeat of last year's chaotic summer travel season.