Why Travellers Visiting Europe Will Have To Wait Long Hours At Airports?

If you are planning a dreamy vacation to Europe this summer, then this is for you. Travellers should prepare for longer wait times at the airports as the European Union has introduced its new digital border control system. This new EES or Entry/Exit System is expected to cause many delays for non-EU travellers. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Europe Introduces New EES System For Travellers

According to The Economic Times, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) by the European Union has been introduced to replace traditional passport stamps. The system will instead focus on digital registration and biometric data collection of travellers. Zaventem Airport in Brussels has gradually started implementing this new system, which has caused delays of up to three hours for non-EU passengers. Many travellers even missed their flights.

Reportedly, this new digital system is expected to be fully operational across all EU countries from April 10, 2026. This means that if you have plans to head to Europe this year, be prepared to face longer wait times at the airport.

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New System Aims To Improve Border Security

According to The Economic Times, this new change aims to strengthen border security and improve tracking of short-term visitors. The system is useful, yes, but technical challenges during its initial stages are creating temporary bottlenecks at airports. The European Union has been gradually introducing this system since October 2025, but it will finally become fully operational by April 10 across all external border points of the 29 European countries using it.

For those who might not know, the EES records travellers’ personal and passport information, including entry and exit dates. It also stores biometric details like facial images and fingerprints. Travellers who require a visa will have their facial image recorded, while visa-exempt travellers will have both facial images and four fingerprints recorded. The system will improve border security and also monitor overstays and entry refusals.

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What do you think of this new EES system for travellers visiting Europe? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ AndreyKrav and AnnaStills (Representative Image)