Direct answer: There are ongoing reports of problems with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), including delays and disruptions at airports since its rollout began in late 2025 and continuing into 2026.[3][9]
Details and context:
- What’s happening: The EES, which digitizes entry/exit records and uses biometric data, has been linked to long queues, flight delays, and some cancellations at several Schengen airports as authorities and airlines adjust to the new process.[9][3]
- Where it’s been most visible: Major EU travel hubs have reported crowds and wait times lasting multiple hours during peak periods as the system is integrated with existing controls.[3][9]
- What authorities are doing: EU bodies have discussed phased or flexible implementation, potential temporary suspensions in extreme cases, and additional staffing or streamlined procedures to mitigate bottlenecks during the transition.[6][8]
What this means for travel:
- If you’re flying to or within the Schengen area, expect possible delays at border checks and plan for extra connection time, especially during busy travel periods.[9][3]
- Pre-registration options (where available) and any airline guidance on arrival procedures may help reduce time in line, so checking with your carrier before travel is prudent.[7]
Illustrative example:
- A European airport reported queues up to several hours on launch days, with some flights affected by border-control delays, prompting calls for temporary operational flexibility.[3]
Sources:
- Reports on disruptions and system rollout implications after EES implementation.[3]
- EU and industry commentary on rollout, delays, and policy responses.[8][6]
- Travel-technical analyses noting airport delays and recommendations for travelers.[9]
If you’d like, I can monitor for the latest updates and pull a concise summary with the newest developments and any official travel advisories for your stopovers in Zürich or nearby hubs.
Sources
For the first six months, the two systems will operate in parallel, meaning that travellers may have to go through both passport control and the EES procedure. It will become fully operational on 10 April, when it will completely replace manual passport stamps. This has caused concern among national authorities about the possibility of chaos. Paris is bracing for more problems than other EU countries, as France is the most visited tourist destination in the world, with over 100 million...
www.periskopi.comOn 18 July, the Council of the European Union adopted an EU law that will make it possible to start the new Entry/Exit digital border management system (EES) in a gradual way over a period of six months. The EES will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of controls at the EU’s external borders. The new system will digitally record entries and exits, data from the passport, fingerprints, and facial images of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in an EU member state. The new rules...
euneighbourseast.euTravelers experience delays at European airports due to the new EU biometric border system causing chaos for tourists and missed flights
www.travelandtourworld.comThe next time you travel to Europe, you might notice some changes making your journey a little less seamless
www.express.co.ukCarib International specializes in Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs. Secure your second passport and expand global mobility with trusted experts.
caribint.orgLearn about the consequences of the new EU entry system failures. Read our analysis and traveler tips.
are.news.o-abroad.comOn 23 April, the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament endorsed plans to gradually roll out the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders. The Committee adopted a draft position on the proposed gradual launch of the Entry-Exit System (EES) at EU external borders by 54 votes in favour, 2 against and with 10 abstentions. Once operational, the system will register data of third‑country nationals, including biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, as they...
euneighbourseast.euEU Entry Exit System problems are reshaping border checks for UK travellers. Discover why London passengers face long airport queues this year.
www.londonbusinessinsider.co.ukThe EES will streamline security for third-party nationals entering the EU, but there's doubt about whether it'll be operational by the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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