Full Breakdown
EU Entry-Exit System Triggers Long Queues for UK Travelers
7/19/2026, 8:33:51 PM
Core Event
The European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), rolled out across the 29-nation Schengen area on 12 October 2025, now requires non-EU citizens—including UK nationals—to have fingerprints and a photograph recorded on arrival and checked on departure. Since the phased rollout, airports such as Rome-Fiumicino and Faro have reported that processing times for British passengers have risen sharply, with typical waits climbing from seven minutes to 20 minutes in Rome and from 10 minutes to over 30 minutes in Faro. Passengers have missed connections and reported queues lasting up to two hours.
Background & Context
EES replaces manual passport checks with self-service kiosks and, where available, e-gate integration. The system was intended to streamline border control and enhance security, but technical glitches, server crashes affecting multiple member states, and the need for duplicate biometric steps have slowed operations. Only Sweden and Portugal currently use the EU’s pre-registration app, limiting its potential to alleviate congestion.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer, Rome-Fiumicino Airport – oversees the airport’s €12 million kiosk deployment.
- Superintendent Pedro Oliveira, head of border control, Faro Airport – responsible for frontline operations in Portugal.
- European Commission (EC) – the EU body coordinating implementation and offering technical support.
- Ryanair and Wizz Air UK – airlines advising passengers to allow extra time.
- French Ministry of the Interior – provides official performance statistics for the system.
Data & Statistics
- €12 million invested in Rome’s self-service kiosks.
- Over 110 million entries and exits recorded by EES (French Ministry of the Interior).
- More than 44 000 entry refusals, including 1 100 flagged as security threats (French Ministry of the Interior).
- UK passenger processing time at Rome increased from 7 minutes to 20 minutes; at Faro, typical queues grew from 10 minutes to over 30 minutes.
Official Statements & Responses
The European Commission affirmed that “support will continue to the fullest extent possible” for member states grappling with implementation challenges. Ryanair warned travelers to “allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for extended waits at passport control.” Wizz Air UK’s managing director, Yvonne Moynihan, urged passengers to arrive three hours before departure and carry a portable charger and water. In Portugal, Superintendent Oliveira emphasized that “people should not be afraid” because “the automated machines were generally the quickest way of getting through the border,” and noted that additional border officers have been recruited.
Criticism & Opposition
Airport officials have described the situation as “absolutely not okay with” waits of one to two hours. Bassato called for “urgent” fixes and suggested removing duplicated steps. Several airline and airport leaders have pressed the EC to allow temporary suspension of EES during peak travel periods, a request that has so far been denied.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not at the point where you have the same quality of the process [as] before the EES.” — Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer, Rome-Fiumicino Airport
- “I think that we need to fix urgently certain aspects of the system.” — Ivan Bassato
- “A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior said: “Over 110 million entries and exits have been recorded in the system, and over 44,000 entry refusals have been notified, including more than 1,100 concerning individuals posing a threat to internal security.” — Spokesperson, French Ministry of the Interior
- “When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water,” — Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director, Wizz Air UK
- “the failed EES rollout” was causing unnecessary delays and long queues. — Ryanair
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While airport chiefs cite queues of up to two hours, Faro officials claim waits over an hour are “very rare.” The French Ministry reports no major congestion at its hubs, contrasting with the severe delays reported in Italy and Portugal. No definitive timeline has been provided for system upgrades or for the EC’s contemplated policy changes regarding temporary suspensions.
What’s Next
The European Commission has indicated ongoing technical assistance but has not announced any concrete schedule for system refinements or for expanding the pre-registration app beyond Sweden and Portugal. Airlines continue to advise passengers to arrive three hours before departure throughout the summer travel season.
