New Biometric Border System in Europe: Airport Hassles

When the New Border Control System Launched

On April 10th, Europe officially launched its new border control system known as the EES (Entry/Exit System), following a six-month trial period. This system monitors non-EU citizens, including American travelers, as they enter European countries for stays of up to 90 days.

Upon entering the EU, travelers will no longer receive passport stamps as they did before. However, it's important to note that this system may lead to longer wait times at airports in the initial phase of its implementation.

Who Is Affected by This System?

Starting April 10th, all non-EU citizens, including Americans, will need to undergo border checks through the EES when arriving in 29 European countries. This applies to any visit lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

American citizens with dual nationality from any EU country or non-EU Schengen member (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) will not be required to use the EES.

How the EES Works

The EES will collect fingerprints from non-EU nationals at all European border checkpoints. Passport control officers will capture fingerprints, passport information, facial images, and entry/exit dates from first-time EES users upon arrival.

All this data will be stored digitally. If you refuse to provide biometric data, you will be denied entry. Currently, fingerprints of children under 12 will not be scanned, even if they are subject to the EES.

Longer Waits Ahead

Once your data is stored in the system, your facial image and fingerprints will only need to be checked once when you leave and when you return. Travelers with biometric passports (those with an electronic chip and a yellow camera logo) can also use self-service systems at border checkpoints if available.

Nonetheless, it's wise to prepare for longer wait times in the near future. For example, during the rollout phase, a reporter experienced significant delays at several European airports due to heavy influxes of travelers.

Tips for Travelers

Katie Genter, a reporter for TPG, recommends choosing seats near the front of the plane to be among the first passengers to reach the immigration checkpoint. On your travel day, arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate for the longer queues.

Countries Implementing EES

European countries using the EES include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Cyprus and Ireland will continue to stamp passports manually, despite being EU members.

Is Pre-registration Required?

No action is needed before using the EES. However, travelers to certain countries can use the “Travel to Europe” app to pre-register passport information and facial images, and they can complete a questionnaire up to 72 hours before entry to reduce wait times.

Currently, travelers to Sweden can use the app to upload their passport information, facial images, and complete a questionnaire before entry. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Conclusion

By storing travelers' biometric data, Europe's EES will eliminate the need for passport stamping and help shorten border control times. However, as this system is fine-tuned, be prepared for longer waits when entering and exiting Europe.

The EES system is free, but starting in late 2026, Europe will also require a travel permit for American citizens entering the EU. The European Travel Information and Authorization System will charge a fee of 20 euros (approximately 23 US dollars).