What's happened
Nine EU states have asked for more time to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) checks, citing technical issues and the need to avoid travel chaos. While the scheme has registered around 200 million entries and stopped tens of thousands, several major hubs and ports are not fully compliant. Brussels is providing support and considering a continued operational adjustment period, with broader enforcement postponed.
What's behind the headline?
What this means for travellers
- EU-wide checks are not uniformly enforced yet, creating a patchwork of compliance across member states.
- Major hubs like Frankfurt and Schiphol have biometrics in place, but many smaller airports lag.
- The pre-authorisation app, Travel to Europe, is expanding, yet is not fully operational across all involved countries.
Who benefits and why now
- Airlines warn of longer queues and missed connections; airlines also press for an extended derogation.
- Consumer frustration rises as travellers face delays during holidays and peak seasons.
What could happen next
- Brussels may extend the operational adjustment period for remaining hotspots.
- Additional staff and technical support could be deployed to troubled crossings.
- Full enforcement may still be delayed until the end of the year as issues are addressed.
Reader impact
- If you travel to Schengen countries, expect uneven checks and possible delays depending on your route and airport.
- Check the status of biometric kiosks at your departure point and be prepared for manual verification where needed.
How we got here
The EES was adopted in 2017 and rolled out last year, aiming to register fingerprints and facial images for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. Delays have persisted as several countries push back full implementation to maintain border fluidity amid peak travel periods, while some airports and ports are still integrating biometric capture.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports nine member states have sought more time; the Independent notes bitter criticism and formal requests for an extension. Both cite delays at Dover, Eurotunnel, and major airports, with Ryanair urging a longer derogation. The Guardian also highlights Brussels’ stance on continued support and a need for operational readiness.
Go deeper
- Will your upcoming trip be affected by EES delays?
- Are you travelling through Dover, Eurostar, or a major European hub soon?
- What alternative routes or timings could minimize border delays?
More on these topics
-
Port of Dover - Seaport in Dover, England
The Port of Dover is the cross-channel port situated in Dover, Kent, south-east England. It is the nearest English port to France, at just 34 kilometres away, and is one of the world's busiest passenger ports, with 11.7 million passengers, 2.6 million lor
-
France - Country in Europe
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
Greece - Country in the Balkans
Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, known also as Hellas, is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki.
-
European Union
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
-
Ryanair - Airline
Ryanair DAC is an Irish budget airline founded in 1984, headquartered in Swords, Dublin, with its primary operational bases at Dublin and London Stansted airports.
-
Germany - Country in Europe
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.
-
Belgium - Country in Europe
Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Western Europe. It is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest.
-
Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders.
-
Italy - Country in Europe
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
-
Portugal - Country
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the nor