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FlashSwedenOctober 13, 2026

Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) Causes Up to Five-Hour Delays; Airports Demand Review

PublishedEditorial policy

One year after its launch, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing significant delays, with queues at Schengen external borders reaching up to five hours. European airports and airlines are calling on the EU to urgently review and optimize the system.

Schengen AreaEESBorder ControlTravel DelaysEU Immigration

Key takeaways

  • The Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing delays of up to five hours at Schengen's external borders, particularly during peak travel times.
  • Non-EU citizens, including tourists and residents with permits, should allow considerable extra time for border control when traveling to or from the Schengen Area.
  • European airports and airlines are urging the EU to review and optimize the EES, but no immediate changes have been announced.

Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) Leads to Extensive Border Delays

The Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital registry designed to record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens, has been operational for one year. Intended to enhance security and streamline border control, the system has instead led to "unacceptable" delays at Schengen's external borders.

European airport and airline associations are now demanding an urgent review from EU authorities. They report that queues can reach up to five hours during peak times, affecting all non-EU travelers, including tourists, residents with permits, and visa holders. These extensive delays cause significant inconvenience for passengers and disrupt airline schedules.

While airports and airlines are actively seeking solutions that maintain security standards while improving efficiency, no immediate changes to the EES are guaranteed by the EU at this time.

  • Non-EU citizens crossing Schengen's external borders should anticipate significant additional time for border control, potentially ranging from one to five hours.
  • The demands from airports and airlines for system optimization are ongoing, but concrete changes from the EU are not yet confirmed. Travelers should monitor official EU news for updates.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

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