New EU border system tripling time at passport control, airport boss says

Understanding the New Digital Border Requirements

The EES is a digital border control system designed to modernize entry procedures for short-stay, non-EU travelers across 29 European countries. Under the new regulations, travelers entering the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days must register their biometric data—specifically fingerprints and a photograph—upon arrival. This information is then verified when the traveler leaves the region.

The process typically involves the use of standalone, automated machines known as "kiosks," though border officers may still perform the checks, such as for children under the age of 12. While the initiative was intended to enhance security and streamline entry, the rollout has encountered significant operational hurdles.

Impact on Processing Times and Airport Operations

Data indicates that the transition from traditional passport stamping to digital biometric registration has significantly increased the time required for border clearance. Processing times have reached approximately 90 seconds per passenger at automated kiosks, compared to 20–25 seconds under the previous manual system.

This surge in processing duration has created bottlenecks at major international airports, particularly during morning and evening peak periods. Airports are currently struggling to integrate national border systems with the EU-wide EES database while managing high passenger volumes. Common issues contributing to these delays include:

• Technical Glitches: Reported bugs in the EES technology have hampered efficiency.
• System Lags: Inconsistencies and lags in the digital database have slowed throughput even for fully prepared passengers.
• Integration Challenges: Incomplete integration of kiosks and varied local procedures have caused localized disruptions.
• Staffing Constraints: A lack of uniform staffing and the necessity to operate multiple systems simultaneously have exacerbated the strain.

Affected Airports and Traveler Disruptions

Reports of hours-long queues have emerged from various major hubs throughout the Schengen zone. Airports currently facing notable operational stress include:

• Portugal: Lisbon and Porto have reported long queues at arrival terminals.
• Spain: Madrid and Barcelona have experienced significant delays during peak morning flights, affecting connecting passengers.

The disruptions have led to reports of passengers missing connecting flights and experiencing significant travel-related stress.

Official Response and Future Outlook

The European Commission (EC) has stated that, in the majority of EU airports, disruption remains limited. The EC has committed to continuing its support for member states regarding the implementation of the system, noting that this support will continue "to the fullest extent possible."

Meanwhile, industry stakeholders have expressed ongoing concern. Ryanair has warned passengers traveling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits at passport control, characterizing the EES rollout as a factor causing unnecessary delays. Border police at Faro airport in Portugal have acknowledged the presence of technical bugs, though they stated that queues in their specific location would likely decrease quickly.

Travelers exempt from these standard EES checks include those holding long-stay visas or residence permits, though these individuals may still encounter delays if they arrive at shared airport checkpoints. For all other non-EU visitors, airlines and officials continue to advise that travelers allow extra time for their journeys to account for the ongoing transition to the new border system.