New rules for entry into Schengen countries

The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational, potentially causing significant delays at airports.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been phased in since October 2025, will be fully operational in all Schengen countries from 10 April 2026.

Under the new rules, non-EU passengers will have to provide fingerprints and have their biometric photos taken at passport control. This has led to long queues and waiting times of up to 3-5 hours at particularly busy airports.

The system reportedly collects and stores passengers' biometric data for 3 years and aims to strengthen controls on entry and exit to the Schengen area.

However, according to Airports Council International (ACI), the processing time at border crossings where the EES is in place has increased by up to 70%. Waiting times at airports such as Geneva and Lisbon are already exceeding several hours, and some passengers are missing their flights.

Experts advise passengers to:
* Arrive at the airport earlier
* Allow at least 4 hours for passport control
* Plan a 3-4 hour layover at major transit hubs such as Munich, Frankfurt and Paris

It is noted that airport congestion is expected to increase further during the summer season and holidays.
However, dual nationals travelling with an EU passport are not affected by this process.