Some EU countries are suspending the EES entry system at their borders: details

EU countries have begun temporarily suspending the EES biometric control system due to long lines at the borders. Find out where passport stamps are being reinstated and what this means

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The new biometric border control system for the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES) — which was set to become one of the EU’s major digital innovations in 2026 — has already encountered serious difficulties. Due to massive lines and delays, several countries have decided to temporarily abandon mandatory biometrics and return to traditional passport stamping. This is reported by The Sun.

What is the EES system and why was it introduced?

The Entry/Exit System officially went live on April 10, 2026. It requires mandatory facial and fingerprint scanning for citizens of countries outside the European Union.

In essence, the EES was intended to replace traditional passport stamps with digital border crossing records. The EU positioned the system as a tool to enhance security, monitor the length of stay for foreign nationals, and automate border procedures.

However, as early as the first days after its launch, the system caused serious problems at airports and border crossings.

Read more: New EU entry rules in 2026 — how the EES and ETIAS work for Ukrainians.

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Which EU countries are opting out of the EES?

Greece was the first to officially suspend biometric requirements. The country reverted to the traditional passport stamping process due to the border system being overloaded and long lines.

A similar situation has arisen in Portugal. Currently, local border guards are also allowing some travelers to pass without mandatory scanning if the system causes delays. Experts suggest that Lisbon may officially join the Greek initiative in the near future.

Meanwhile, Italy is also preparing to reinstate passport stamps following a high-profile incident in Milan. During one flight, due to delays caused by biometric checks, only 34 out of 156 passengers were able to board.

Why has the EES caused chaos at the borders?

The main problem with the new system is the significant increase in the time required to check each passenger. Biometric data scanning, information verification, and technical delays have created hours-long lines at airports and land borders.

Tourist destinations in Southern Europe, which traditionally see a large influx of tourists in the spring and summer, felt the problem particularly acutely.

This is also an important signal for Ukrainians, as most Ukrainian citizens travel to the EU using biometric passports and regularly cross the borders of Schengen Area countries.

When planning trips to Europe, it is worth taking into account possible delays at airports and borders. It is also important to obtain travel insurance for trips abroad well in advance — Ukrainians can do this online via Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! Europe’s financial borders changed in 2026. Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro, but many EU countries continue to use their national currencies. To avoid losing money on currency conversion and to plan your travel budget correctly, it’s important to know the current composition of the Eurozone. Read which countries accept the euro and where you’ll still need local currency.

Photo: actiongp / Freepik

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