Thu, 05 Feb 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 Warning of long airport queues under new EU border control system

Airport organisation says queues could last up to six hours over the summer holidays.

*Passengers have reported hours-long waits, with one airport experiencing three-hour queues and another expecting five-to-six hour queues during peak times.
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*The Entry-Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens to register fingerprints and a photo alongside having their passport scanned upon arrival at European airports.
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*A spokesperson for Geneva Airport said implementing EES has been a "major challenge" and that measures to try and make the process smoother include putting on more staff.
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*Long waits have also been reported at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, with passengers experiencing one-and-a-half-to-two hour delays waiting to use the systems.
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*Airports are warning of worsening congestion over the summer months, with some expecting peak waiting times of up to six hours.
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*The European Commission has said it will be possible to suspend the new system at peak times until September, but has emphasized that member states will continue to work on improving the system.
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*Travel associations are advising passengers to come prepared for long waits over peak travel periods and have suggested planning ahead, bringing refreshments and entertainment for children.
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