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Germany Joins Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Greece, and More in Facing Travel Setbacks and Technical Issues as EU New Entry/Exit System Rolls Out Across the Schengen
Published on
October 18, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Germany joins Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Greece, and other European countries in facing travel disruptions as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System rolls out, with technical glitches and manual processing causing delays at airports and border crossings. As the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins its phased rollout, travelers across major Schengen Area countries—including Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and others—are encountering significant travel disruptions. The system, designed to streamline border checks and enhance security by capturing biometric data, has been plagued by technical issues, manual processing delays, and confusion at airports. These setbacks have led to long queues, frustration, and unexpected delays, especially as automated kiosks and other technological systems fail to synchronize with the central EU database. As the EU works to resolve these issues, travelers are being advised to arrive earlier and be prepared for longer wait times during the ongoing transition to the new system.
Germany: Frankfurt and Munich Airports Face Major Delays
In Germany, two of its largest airports—Frankfurt and Munich—have seen 6 cancellations and 225 delays as the Entry/Exit System (EES) struggles to handle passenger traffic. Although Germany has been at the forefront of implementing the system, airports in Frankfurt and Munich faced major delays due to technical glitches with the biometric kiosks. These malfunctions resulted in manual processing of biometric data, forcing travelers to undergo fingerprint and facial scans by hand, which significantly slowed down the flow at passport control.
The German Federal Police were forced to step in to manage the bottleneck, but the system’s temporary inefficiency added considerable stress for both passengers and staff. Ryanair flights have been particularly impacted, with passengers reporting longer wait times than expected.
France: Delays and Confusion at Paris Airports
In France, travelers at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have faced 4 cancellations and 182 delays due to a mix of manual processing and system failures. While France has introduced the EES gradually, the French border authorities have struggled with syncing the biometric kiosks to the central EU database. Travelers reported confusion regarding which lanes to use, and many first-time visitors were unclear on the biometric registration process.
The delays have been particularly notable for passengers flying from non-EU countries, with Emirates and Air Arabia issuing travel advisories urging travelers to arrive early to avoid missing flights due to the extended processing times. Paris Orly, in particular, has seen long queues during peak hours, prompting French officials to introduce extra staff to guide travelers through the system.
Netherlands: Schiphol Airport Struggles with EES Implementation
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, has faced 6 cancellations and 194 delays as the EES rollout has encountered serious setbacks. Reports have surfaced of travelers waiting in lines for up to two hours as the automated kiosks failed to properly connect to the central EU-LISA database. The system, which was meant to expedite entry and exit, has instead caused delays, particularly at peak travel times.
Dutch authorities have cited staff shortages and inadequate training as contributing factors to the delays, while the Netherlands Schiphol Airport team is working to resolve the technical malfunctions. Some travelers, including U.S. citizens and those from the UK, faced additional scrutiny due to the new requirements, further complicating the process. In response, the airport is urging passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure to accommodate these changes.
Switzerland: Zurich and Basel Airports Affected
In Switzerland, the Entry/Exit System has encountered issues at both Zurich and Basel airports, resulting in 1 cancellation and 44 delays. While travelers have praised the Swiss authorities for their proactive communication and clear signage, technical failures with the biometric kiosks have still led to significant delays.
Swiss border officials had to fall back on manual data collection when the automated kiosks failed to sync with the EU’s central databases, resulting in long waits at Zurich airport’s passport control. Some travelers also faced confusion over which lanes to use, as the kiosks were offline and manual checks were implemented.
Spain: Gradual Rollout in Barcelona and Madrid
In Spain, authorities have adopted a more gradual rollout of the EES, opting to implement the system in stages to reduce disruptions. Madrid’s Barajas Airport and Barcelona’s El Prat saw 0 cancellations and 20 delays, including some early hiccups, including delays at the biometric registration stations. However, Spanish officials are working hard to ensure a smoother integration of the system in preparation for the 2026 Summer Olympics in Paris, which is expected to increase passenger traffic throughout the region.
During peak travel hours, passengers reported waiting up to 90 minutes at the passport control areas, with staff needing to process data manually when the system failed to connect. Some Spanish tourism organizations have advised travelers to arrive earlier than usual, especially during holiday seasons, as the system continues to be fine-tuned.
Italy: Milan Malpensa Faces Passenger Backups
In Italy, 4 cancellations and 134 delays were reported, primarily at Milan Malpensa, one of Italy’s busiest airports. The Entry/Exit System has faced considerable setbacks here, with delays of up to two hours reported at the passport control areas. Italy’s border control agencies have faced pressure to address the system failures swiftly.
Italian officials have attributed the delays to issues with data syncing between biometric kiosks and the central EU-LISA database, forcing border officers to manually collect fingerprints and facial images. Italy’s tourism board has urged travelers to expect delays and to prepare for additional travel time at airports.
Greece: Heraklion and Athens Airports Impacted
In Greece, the Entry/Exit System rollout has been particularly challenging at Heraklion Airport and Athens International Airport. Greek authorities are still in the process of training staff and ensuring the biometric kiosks are fully functional. As a result, long queues have formed, particularly for passengers arriving from non-EU countries.
Reports from travelers indicate that, much like in other European airports, biometric registration kiosks have often been offline, and manual checks have caused delays. Greek authorities are expected to adjust their approach and work with EU officials to ensure smoother operations, particularly as summer tourism approaches.
The Broader Picture: A Progressive Rollout with Growing Pains
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is part of the EU’s broader initiative to enhance border security and reduce inefficiencies in handling travelers from non-EU countries. The system aims to capture biometric data—fingerprints and facial images—of travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area. While the long-term goal is to streamline the border process, the early phase of implementation has been fraught with technical glitches, staffing challenges, and inconsistent procedures at various airports.
Airlines Issue Travel Warnings Amid EES Rollout
Several airlines, including Ryanair, Emirates, Air Arabia, and Finnair, have issued travel advisories to their passengers, warning them to expect delays as the Entry/Exit System becomes fully integrated at Schengen borders. Ryanair flights, particularly those arriving at Prague, have been specifically affected by the glitches and delays in the biometric verification process.
Emirates, Air Arabia, and Finnair are also advising travelers to arrive earlier than usual at airports to accommodate the longer processing times. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary had previously voiced concerns about the system’s ability to handle peak travel periods, predicting “bumpy” operations throughout the winter months as the system continues to roll out. This uncertainty has only increased as airlines and passengers brace for the peak holiday season.
Land Border Crossings Face the Worst Delays
While airports are experiencing significant congestion, land borders have been hit hardest by technical failures, particularly the Polish-Ukrainian crossing, where some travelers have been stranded for up to ten hours due to system malfunctions. These delays highlight the serious challenges in implementing the new biometric system at not just air borders but also ground crossing points, where the EES is progressively rolling out.
The European Commission has acknowledged the early technical failures and assured that improvements are underway. Authorities have cited technical glitches and the lack of staff training as the primary reasons for these issues. As the system evolves, officials are optimistic that issues like synchronization between kiosks and the central EU database, which caused additional delays, will be resolved.
The Role of the EES in Enhancing Security and Efficiency
The Entry/Exit System was introduced to replace traditional passport stamps for non-EU travelers, including post-Brexit British citizens. The goal is to track border crossings, identify overstays, and detect fraudulent documents. By 2026, the system is expected to automatically record biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, marking the start of a new era in EU border security.
While the technical aspects of the system have led to confusion and delays, the long-term benefits of the EES cannot be overstated. The system is designed to improve border security by ensuring that travel data—such as entry and exit dates, border locations, and visa validity—is automatically tracked, creating a more efficient and accurate border experience for non-EU travelers.
Airlines and Border Control Agencies Urge Travelers to Be Prepared
As the EES continues its progressive rollout across Schengen countries, which includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and others, the European Commission has advised travelers to be prepared for potential disruptions, particularly at major international gateways. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has warned that delays are inevitable, with travelers advised to allow three to four hours from the point of entry for border checks.
Travelers Urged to Monitor Information Closely
As the system evolves, communication between airports, airlines, and travelers is expected to play a crucial role in minimizing confusion. Industry leaders have called for clearer and more consistent public awareness campaigns to ensure that travelers are fully informed about the biometric requirements of the EES. At the same time, some airports are already working on improvements, including multilingual guides and more staff assistance, to help passengers navigate the new procedures.
Germany joins Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Greece, and several other European countries in facing significant travel setbacks and technical issues as the EU’s new Entry/Exit System rolls out across the Schengen Area. These disruptions are primarily caused by technical glitches in the biometric kiosks, leading to manual data processing and long queues, which have slowed down border crossings and added frustration for travelers.
Full Implementation of the EES Expected by Spring 2026
With full implementation of the Entry/Exit System expected by spring 2026, the EU hopes to resolve the current glitches and deliver a more efficient and secure border control experience for non-EU travelers. However, for now, travelers heading to Schengen Area countries are being advised to expect delays and prepare for a slower-than-expected introduction of the new system.
As this major overhaul of European border security unfolds, travelers should stay informed, follow airline and airport advisories, and allow extra time for their journey to avoid frustration during the ongoing adjustments.
