EES Airport Delays: How to Beat the Queues at EU Borders

Long queues at European airports have become a familiar sight for holidaymakers since the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) went live. The system, which records biometric data for third-country nationals crossing the Schengen Area's external borders, was designed to tighten security and track overstays. But its rollout has translated into bottlenecks at airports and ferry ports across the continent, with Spain and Portugal among the worst affected.

For travelers, the frustration is real: families missing connections, missed day trips, and hours spent shuffling forward in line. The good news? There are signs that the worst may be over, and there are ways to reduce your wait.

Why are there EES airport delays?

EES is an automated system that registers entry and exit data for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area. When you first cross a border, passport control officers take a photo of your face and scan your fingerprints. That biometric data is stored in a digital file valid for three years, along with your passport details, dates of entry and exit, and any refusals of entry.

The system applies to 25 of the 27 EU countries, plus the four non-EU Schengen members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It does not apply to Ireland or Cyprus, which are outside the Schengen Area.

The extra steps at border control—capturing biometrics, checking them against databases—inevitably slow things down. At busy airports, the result has been long waits, especially during peak travel seasons.

Political response: a possible pause

Facing a summer of travel chaos, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas has reportedly given private assurances that blanket border checks will be paused to ease congestion. According to The Times, he is pushing to extend a derogation that allows officials to suspend the new border controls beyond a September 6 deadline.

This isn't just about convenience; it's about keeping travel moving. ABTA's Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, noted that contingency measures have already helped improve queues this summer. "This summer, there have been some improvements in terms of queues, which suggests the contingency measures have been used and have been helping," he said. "Extending these arrangements would allow destinations to respond if queues start to build, helping to minimise disruption for travellers."

If the derogation is extended, border officials would have the flexibility to temporarily suspend EES checks when queues threaten to spiral out of control—a pragmatic approach that could prevent the kind of chaos seen last year.

How technology is helping (and where it falls short)

The EES itself is a technological solution, but its implementation has exposed the limits of relying on new systems at busy borders. The biometric checks require additional hardware and staff training, and when systems glitch or passengers are unfamiliar with the process, delays compound.

That said, technology is also part of the answer. The EU has been rolling out self-service kiosks and e-gates at many airports, allowing travelers to scan their passports and provide biometrics without waiting for a human officer. These systems can process passengers faster, but they're not available everywhere—and they still require the initial enrollment step.

For travelers, the key is to be prepared. If you're flying into the Schengen Area, expect to spend extra time at passport control, especially on your first visit. Have your passport ready, and be patient if the officer needs to take your photo and fingerprints.

What about ETIAS?

Separate from EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is another layer of border management that's been in the works. ETIAS is an online authorization required for citizens of visa-free countries (including the UK) before they travel to the EU. It's not yet launched—the EU has not set a date—but when it goes live, it will add another step to the pre-travel process.

ETIAS applications will be submitted online, and most will be processed quickly: 95% of applications are expected to receive a decision within minutes. If additional checks are needed, processing can take up to 96 hours. The fee is €20, though travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt.

While ETIAS is designed to be a quick online form, it's a reminder that the EU is building a more layered border system. The hope is that by pre-screening travelers before they arrive, ETIAS will reduce the workload at border crossings—and potentially ease some of the pressure that's caused EES delays.

How to avoid EES delays: practical tips

Until the system is smoothed out, here's what you can do to minimize your own wait:

• Check if your airport has e-gates. Many major hubs have automated gates for biometric passport holders. If you're eligible, use them—they're usually faster.
• Arrive earlier. With EES in place, border control can take longer than it used to. Give yourself extra time, especially if you have a connecting flight.
• Have your documents ready. Keep your passport accessible, and be ready to remove glasses or hats if asked for a photo.
• Travel light. If you're carrying bags, you'll move more slowly through the line. Pack strategically to keep your hands free.
• Stay informed. Check for updates from your airline or airport before you travel. If the derogation is extended, some airports may temporarily suspend EES checks during peak times.

Frequently asked questions about EES delays

Why are there delays at EU airports? The EES requires biometric data collection at border control, which adds time to each passenger's processing. This has led to queues, especially at busy airports and ferry ports.

Will EES delays continue? The EU is considering extending a derogation that allows border checks to be suspended when queues become unmanageable. If extended, this could reduce delays during peak times.

Can I skip the EES queue? Some airports offer e-gates or self-service kiosks that can speed up the process. Check with your airport or airline to see what's available.

The bottom line

EES is here to stay, but the EU is listening to feedback and adjusting. The push to extend the derogation is a sign that officials are willing to prioritize smooth travel over strict enforcement when needed. For travelers, the best defense is preparation: know what to expect, give yourself extra time, and take advantage of any automated options available.

As the system matures, and with ETIAS on the horizon, the hope is that border crossings will become more efficient. Until then, a little patience—and a well-timed e-gate—can go a long way.