The European Union has confirmed that Schengen Area countries will be allowed to apply additional flexibility in the rollout of the new Entry-Exit System, easing pressure on borders during the peak summer travel season of 2026. While the biometric system is still scheduled to complete its progressive deployment by early April, member states will be able to partially suspend its operation for a limited period if congestion becomes unmanageable.
The Entry-Exit System, commonly known as EES, replaces manual passport stamping for visitors from non-EU countries, including travelers from the United Kingdom and the United States. Instead of stamps, border authorities collect biometric data such as facial scans and fingerprints to record entries and exits from the Schengen Area. The system officially began phased implementation in October 2025 and was initially expected to be fully enforced by April 10, 2026.
EU officials have emphasized that this is not a new delay, but rather the activation of flexibility already written into the regulation. After the rollout formally ends on April 9, countries may partially suspend EES operations for up to 90 days, with a potential extension of up to 60 additional days if needed. This effectively allows flexibility through early September, covering the height of Europe’s summer travel season.
The decision reflects concerns raised by airports, ports, and border agencies over longer processing times during peak travel periods. While the European Commission has sought to downplay technical and operational challenges, several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the risks.
Airport operators have warned that biometric checks could significantly slow passenger flows, particularly at large hubs handling high volumes of non-EU arrivals. In one notable example, Lisbon Airport temporarily halted EES testing last winter after queues became excessive, resuming trials only after adjustments were made.
The added flexibility is designed to give border authorities practical tools to manage congestion without abandoning the system altogether. Countries can decide when and where partial suspensions are necessary, allowing them to prioritize traffic flow during busy hours or at particularly strained border crossings.
EES is a key building block in the EU’s broader border modernization strategy and serves as a technical precursor to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, expected to launch in late 2026. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for pre-travel authorization, similar to systems already in place in the UK and the United States. EU officials have stressed that EES and ETIAS are separate systems, and temporary flexibility in EES will not delay ETIAS.
For travelers heading to Europe this summer, biometric checks remain part of the future, but the EU’s approach signals a recognition that smooth border operations are critical during the busiest months of the year.
