EU border checks trigger two-hour lines at major airports as summer travel peaks

During the peak summer travel season, the European Union's new electronic border-screening system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), has caused lengthy wait times at major airports, according to a report by the Financial Times on Aug. 11. At Frankfurt Airport, wait times surged from 60 minutes in July last year to a maximum of 120 minutes in July 2026.

Amsterdam Airport's longest wait time also increased from 80 minutes to 120 minutes during the same period. Munich Airport experienced a doubling of wait times from 31 minutes to 60 minutes.

The delays are primarily due to the EES, which registers travelers from outside the EU by taking their photograph, fingerprints, and recording personal information upon their first border crossing. Industry representatives had previously warned that these added procedures could lead to significant delays at airports. Technical issues, rollout delays, and problems operating the equipment have further exacerbated the situation.

In an effort to manage heavy passenger volumes, many airports have temporarily streamlined the process, including suspending fingerprint collection during the busiest periods. However, these flexibility measures are set to end, prompting EU countries and Switzerland to request an extension from the European Commission. The commission stated that it is currently discussing the next steps with member states.

EES registration takes an average of 70 seconds, and the system is designed to create no significant additional problems for most travelers from outside the EU, according to the European Commission. Airlines have acknowledged that the new rules are causing substantial crowding at some airports, with British Airways and easyJet representatives urging airport operators to manage the screening process more efficiently to prevent lengthy wait times for passengers. The EES was launched in October 2025, with its full-scale rollout beginning on April 10, 2026.