Key Takeaways:
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) now requires non-EU travelers to provide fingerprints and facial scans upon arrival
- Wait times at major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol have reached up to 3.5 hours during peak periods
- Self-service kiosks are frequently out of order due to dust and grease from fingerprints
- Travelers with layovers in the Schengen Area may need to register during their connection
- Only Sweden and Portugal offer pre-registration via the "Travel to Europe" app
What is the EU's New Entry/Exit System?
The EES, fully operational since April, replaces traditional passport stamps with biometric data collection. This system affects all non-EU nationals, including American tourists, who now must provide fingerprints and a facial scan upon entering any of the 29 participating countries – mostly EU members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The goal is to speed up border processing once fully implemented, but the transition has been bumpy. As Julian Kheel of Points Path explains: "The goal is for people to move through immigration without needing to stop and have their passport stamped. Once the bugs are shaken out, I do think we'll end up with a faster process, but it could be a while before we get there."
Important: The EES does not change visa requirements or the 90-day limit for non-EU travelers in the Schengen Area. It simply records your entry and exit digitally.
Will I Have to Wait in Line?
The short answer is yes, especially at major hubs. A survey by Airports Council International found EES-related wait times of up to 3.5 hours at 45 airports across 20 EU states during peak travel times. These waits are directly attributed to the new system, which caused more delays than last summer.
- Major airports affected: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Madrid-Barajas
- Smaller airports: Generally experience shorter waits, but delays can still occur
- Peak hours: Early morning and late afternoon arrivals see the longest lines
Dutch military police reported "technical disruptions causing temporary delays" at Schiphol, though no structural long lines have occurred. Spanish authorities, however, report "positive results" with no significant incidents.
What's Causing the Bottlenecks?
Self-Service Kiosk Problems
The main culprit is the self-service kiosks where travelers upload biometric data. These machines have multiple issues:
- Slow processing: Users often need multiple attempts for fingerprint scans
- Frequent breakdowns: Kiosks are out of order due to dust and grease accumulation from fingerprints
- Cleaning gaps: Machines need routine cleaning between passengers, which rarely happens
Agata Lyznik of Airports Council International noted: "The kiosks need to be routinely cleaned between the passage of passengers, which right now is seldom the case."
First-Time Registration Overload
Unlike subsequent visits, first-time registration takes longer because everyone must enroll simultaneously. Even after registration, an agent must confirm your biometrics each time you enter or leave. This dual process creates bottlenecks.
How to Prepare for Summer Travel
1. Arrive Early
Travel experts recommend adding at least 1-2 hours for immigration processing, especially at major hubs. If you have a layover in the Schengen Area, allow extra time – you may need to register during your connection.
2. Check for Pre-Registration Options
Only travelers entering Sweden or Portugal can pre-register using the "Travel to Europe" app. For everyone else, you'll need to complete registration on arrival.
3. Have Documents Ready
Keep your passport accessible and be prepared for fingerprint scanning. Avoid wearing gloves or lotion that could affect scan quality.
4. Know Your Airport's Setup
Some airports use self-service kiosks before border control, while others have agents handle registration directly. Check your airport's website for specific procedures.
What to Expect Long-Term
While short-term delays are frustrating, experts anticipate the system will eventually streamline travel. Once the initial registration is complete, subsequent entries should be faster than traditional passport stamping. However, this "shaking out" period may last through the summer.
Final advice: For summer 2025, pack your patience along with your sunscreen. The EES is here to stay, but it's still finding its footing.