The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) may take one to two years to fully stabilize, according to Frontex deputy executive director Uku Sarekanno, as member states continue to grapple with technical failures and long queues at border checkpoints since the system’s launch.
Sarekanno’s assessment highlights the scale of the challenges facing the bloc’s ambitious effort to replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric data collection at Schengen borders. The system requires non-EU travelers to submit four fingerprints and a facial image on their first entry, with the data stored for subsequent automated processing.
The main bottleneck is the initial enrollment process. While the system is designed to allow travelers to use faster, automated lanes on subsequent visits within a three-year window, the first-time registration is causing significant delays at many border crossings. Some border checkpoints are also mistakenly demanding biometric data from returning travelers who have already registered, an administrative error that Frontex says must be urgently corrected.
The EES launched in October 2025 to widespread technical issues and long queues at airports and land borders across the Schengen area. France struggled particularly with preparation for the rollout, and several member states have reported ongoing difficulties adapting their border infrastructure to the new requirements.
The economic implications are substantial. Industry estimates suggest that if regular border delays of three to four hours become permanent, up to 41 million international visitors could abandon European travel plans entirely, putting an estimated $45.4 billion in travel spending at risk.
Performance varies significantly by member state. Some countries are managing the transition smoothly, while others face persistent operational challenges. The phased rollout approach adopted by the EU was intended to ease the transition, but the uneven adoption has created an inconsistent experience for travelers crossing Schengen borders.
The EES operates alongside the planned European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch in late 2026 and will require visa-exempt travelers to register online before entering the Schengen area.
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
