If you are flying to Europe soon, it’s important to consider a significant change already felt at some airports: The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System, EES, is causing unusual congestion at border control – with reports of wait times of hours during peak times. The new system became fully operational on April 10, 2026, and it changes the way non-EU citizens undergo border checks when entering and exiting European countries using the system.
Instead of a Passport Stamp: Biometric Identification
The EES – Entry/Exit System effectively replaces the traditional passport stamp method for relevant travelers entering for short stays. The system digitally records entry and exit from Europe and also uses biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints. The goal is to make border control more accurate and advanced, easily identify overstays, and enhance security at Europe’s external borders. However, in the first summer of full operation, the reality on the ground is more complex.
Up to Five Hours in Line for Border Control
In early July, major European aviation organizations approached the President of the European Commission, warning that the system’s implementation is causing severe operational consequences. According to the letter, since the full deployment of EES in April, wait times at border control have increased significantly, reaching up to five hours during peak times in some cases. The congestion affects millions of travelers entering the Schengen area and could also lead to missed connecting flights and further delays. ACI Europe even warned that the issue is not limited to major airports. Smaller airports serving popular vacation destinations are also dealing with congestion.
Why Now?
August is already one of the busiest months at airports in Europe, and the combination of a massive number of travelers with a more complex border control process can create bottlenecks. Aviation organizations pointed to a lack of manpower at border control, technological issues, incomplete deployment of self-service kiosks, and limited implementation of pre-registration options. As early as the end of June, ACI Europe President Stefan Schulte warned that passengers are waiting hours during peak times and that airports are struggling to cope with the expected increase in passenger numbers in the summer.
What Does This Mean for Israelis Traveling to Europe?
Israelis holding an Israeli passport are considered travelers from a non-EU country, so the EES system is relevant for them when crossing the external borders of countries using the system. It’s important to emphasize: not every airport and not every hour will see hours-long waits. Wait times vary greatly depending on the airport, time, number of flights, and number of active border control stations. But during the busy summer period, it’s definitely worth considering that passport control may take longer than we are used to in the past. This is especially important for those flying with a short connection or needing to go through border control before a connecting flight.
Flying Soon? It’s Wise to Leave a Buffer
Those entering Europe through one of the busy airports should consider the possibility of delays at border control and not plan a tight schedule immediately after landing. Travelers with connecting flights are especially advised to check in advance whether the connection requires going through border control and to leave sufficient time between flights. The EES system is ultimately supposed to make European border management more digital and efficient. At least this summer, according to reports, some travelers are finding that the transition to the new system comes with quite a few teething problems. Click here to hunt for the best flight deal Flight Hunter Click here to join the Flight Hunter WhatsApp group
