EU's state-of-the-art exit/entry system could be delayed until 2024
The EES will streamline security for third-party nationals entering the EU, but there's doubt about whether it'll be operational by the 2024 Paris Olympics.
thepointsguy.comHere’s the latest on EU Entry/Exit System (EES) delays based on recent reporting.
Core update
- The EU’s Entry/Exit System rollout has faced ongoing teething problems and delays, causing longer border queues at several airports and borders in 2025–2026. Some outlets have reported waits of hours in peak times as systems and staff adjust to the new process. Other sources note that after initial implementation, border processing times have fluctuated as countries scale up registration and biometric checks.[1][4][7]
Key themes from recent coverage
- Operational teething issues: outages, incomplete self-service kiosks, and gaps in pre-registration apps have been cited as contributors to slower border checks and wait times.[7][1]
- Registration thresholds and progress: EU officials indicated higher-than-expected registration rates as rollout progressed, but airports and border agencies still faced capacity constraints in peak periods.[1]
- Varied national impact: some countries reported more pronounced effects due to staffing and infrastructure readiness, with major airports in several EU states experiencing longer queues during the transition.[3][1]
- Outlook and timelines: multiple reports over 2025–2026 discussed anticipated timelines shifting as issues were addressed, with some sources suggesting continued delays or staged rollouts into 2026 and beyond.[2][4][8]
What travelers can do
- Build in extra time at borders during periods of high travel volume or when crossing with biometric data for the first time.
- Check your destination airport’s guidance on EES registration, kiosks, and any required pre-registration apps, as these can reduce on-site processing time if ready.
- Stay updated via official EU border-management communications and your airline for the latest timelines and any country-specific notes, since experience varies by location.
Illustrative example
- In late 2025, airports in several EU member states reported that processing times improved as border guards gained experience and procedures were refined, but concerns about peak-period congestion persisted until full deployment stabilized.[1]
Citations
- “Warning as EU entry-exit system causing 'three-hour waits' at airports” highlights the early congestion and calls for review of rollout pace.[1]
- Reports on ongoing rollout challenges and investments in staffing and kiosks reflect the broader issues and responses across Europe.[7]
- Coverage noting improved processing times with experience and procedural refinements, while peak-period congestion remained a concern, provides context on the evolving situation.[1]