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FlashFranceOctober 13, 2026

EU Airports & Airlines Call for EES Overhaul Amid 5-Hour Delays for Non-EU Travelers

PublishedEditorial policy

One year after its launch, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to streamline border checks for non-EU citizens, is causing significant delays of up to five hours at Schengen borders. European airports and airlines are now demanding an urgent overhaul, directly impacting residency applicants and travelers without

EESSchengenEU ImmigrationBorder ControlTravel Delays

Key takeaways

  • The EES, launched a year ago, is causing delays of up to five hours at Schengen borders for non-EU citizens, despite its aim to speed up checks.
  • If you are a non-EU citizen or frequently cross Schengen borders, plan your travel with ample extra time to account for potential delays.
  • European airports and airlines are demanding an overhaul of the system, indicating that changes are expected, but the current challenges persist.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Faces Calls for Overhaul Amid Persistent Delays

European airports and airlines have urged EU authorities to revise the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital registration system launched a year ago. Intended to expedite border checks for non-EU citizens at Schengen external borders, the system has instead led to queues of up to five hours.

Industry associations state that the current situation is 'unacceptable.' While EES was designed to automate entry and exit registration, it has resulted in significant delays, affecting tourists, business travelers, and non-EU residents. Border guards are reportedly overloaded, and processing capacity has decreased, causing flight schedule disruptions and passenger frustration.

Airport and airline associations are calling for immediate action, including optimizing procedures, increasing resources at border crossings, and revising system algorithms. For non-EU citizens, including residency applicants and frequent travelers, it is advisable to allocate additional time for border crossings until the system undergoes necessary improvements.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

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