EU Entry-Exit System Creating Three-Hour Delays at Key Airports

Travelers heading to Europe may face delays of up to three hours at airports due to the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), which launched on Oct. 12.

“The EU digital border scheme is causing three-hour waits at passport control as officials struggle with a 70 percent increase in the time taken for border checks, says the group representing Europe’s airports,” the Independent reported.

In response to the delays, the Brussels-based Airports Council International (ACI) is requesting an “urgent” review of EES, the Independent story said.

Currently, just 10 percent of travelers are required to register through the digital system, but that number is expected to grow to 35 percent by Jan. 9, 2026.

“Significant discomfort is already being inflicted upon travelers, and airport operations impacted with the current threshold for registering third-country nationals set at only 10%,” said Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI for the European region.

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