Nine countries participating in Europe’s Entry/Exit System are delaying its full application at some border crossings, as technical problems and concerns about long queues continue to complicate the rollout. They include France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Portugal.
The system, known as EES, records the entry and exit of eligible travellers from outside the EU’s free-travel area. It uses passport information, facial images and fingerprints to replace manual passport stamps and help authorities identify overstays. It began a phased rollout in October 2025, but applying the checks consistently across busy airports, ports and other crossings has proved difficult.
Airport and airline representatives have warned that registration can lengthen queues and cause travellers to miss connections, particularly when equipment fails or staffing is stretched. Some border authorities have therefore continued to use temporary procedures at affected crossings while they work toward full operation. The European Commission has acknowledged that adjustments are needed at certain locations.
The delays do not mean border checks have been abolished. Procedures may differ by country and crossing, and eligible travellers may still be asked to register their biometric details. For passengers, the immediate effect is uncertainty over how long the process will take, even as European authorities say they remain committed to completing the rollout.
