The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to enhance border security by recording biometric data of non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area, is facing further delays in its full implementation across nine European countries. France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal are among those requesting additional time to introduce the necessary biometric checks at busy airports and border crossings.
Initially launched in October of last year, the EES has encountered repeated setbacks due to technical and operational challenges, particularly in high-traffic travel hubs. Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium have also sought extensions, while Spain has successfully moved forward with the complete implementation of the system after overcoming early difficulties.
Despite these challenges, the EES has already registered approximately 200 million entries and has stopped about 70,000 individuals from entering the Schengen area. These include travelers lacking the required visas, overstayers, and those attempting to use forged identity documents. While some locations, such as Eurostar terminals in Brussels and the port of Antwerp, have begun biometric checks, several airports continue to prepare the necessary facilities.
Major airports like Frankfurt and Schiphol have started conducting biometric checks, but smaller airports are still grappling with capacity and infrastructure issues. The International Air Transport Association has expressed concerns about potential delays caused by the system, and airlines warn that lengthy queues might become problematic during peak travel periods.
To ease the process, a pre-travel application called “Travel to Europe” is being rolled out, allowing travelers to submit their passport details and facial images prior to arriving at the border. Currently operational in Sweden and Portugal, this application is expected to expand to more countries in the near future.