EU Entry/Exit System Launches With Delays

The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational in April 2024, replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric registration for non-EU travelers. The system requires Americans and other non-EU nationals to provide fingerprints, a facial scan, and passport details upon arrival in participating countries.

The EES tracks travelers’ entry and exit at border checkpoints using this biometric and passport data to verify identity. It applies in 29 countries, all of which are part of the Schengen Area, including EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The system does not alter visa requirements or permitted lengths of stay. "The new system does not change your entry requirements as far as visas or how long you can stay in the Schengen Area. None of those rules has changed," Julian Kheel, CEO and founder of Points Path, said. "This is simply recording your entry and exit in and out of the area."

While the system aims to speed up border processing long-term, initial implementation has led to delays. A survey by the Airports Council International across 45 airports in 20 EU states found wait times of up to 3.5 hours during peak travel periods. "Those lines are specifically due to the EES procedure," Agata Lyznik, spokesperson for the Airports Council International, said. "We did not see such waiting times last summer, when the system wasn't in place."

Technical issues have compounded the problems. Lyznik said self-service kiosks are offline at some airports due to difficulties integrating the EES software, and those that are operational often malfunction. "They are frequently out of order due to excess dust and grease from taking fingerprints," she said. "The kiosks need to be routinely cleaned between the passage of passengers, which right now is seldom the case."

Kheel acknowledged the current challenges but expressed optimism about future improvements. "Once the bugs are shaken out, I do think we'll end up with a faster process, but it could be a while before we get there," he said.