Nine European Countries Extend EES Delays for UK Travelers Amid Ongoing Issues

Nine European Countries Continue to Delay Full Entry/Exit System Enforcement for UK Travelers

Nine European nations are still delaying the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for British visitors, even after the European Union’s flexibility period concluded on September 6, 2026. These countries are continuing to ease enforcement at some border points to manage ongoing congestion and software issues. The EES is a new digital system designed to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area, requiring travelers to submit fingerprints and a facial scan.

The formal 150-day relief period provided by the EU allowed for a smoother introduction of the EES. However, the nine countries—France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland—have opted to maintain informal flexibility. This approach aims to keep border crossings flowing while technical problems are resolved. The staggered rollout means travelers might experience different procedures depending on the specific border crossing they use.

Uneven Biometric Rollout Creates Varied Traveler Experiences

The rollout of the EES has not been consistent across all member states. This uneven implementation means a traveler’s experience can differ significantly from one country to another, and even between different ports of entry within the same country. Airports and popular holiday destinations in countries like France, Greece, Portugal, and Italy have already encountered queues and technical difficulties related to the new system.

France, in particular, has indicated it may continue to use flexibility with the EES until the end of 2026. The other eight countries are also easing or pausing full checks, but a new common enforcement date has not been announced. This situation arises from the system’s legal and operational history. The EES was adopted in 2017 and officially launched in October 2025, becoming fully operational at Schengen external borders in April 2026. The current challenge is not an EU-wide postponement but rather the varied enforcement practices following the expiration of the congestion measure.

Countries Easing Checks Amid Ongoing Technical Work

The decision by these nine countries to ease full checks reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the system’s introduction. While the formal flexibility period has ended, officials are still using discretionary measures to address the practical challenges at the border. This includes dealing with software glitches and the increased processing times associated with biometric data collection.

Country	Current Position
France	Delaying full enforcement; flexibility may last until the end of 2026.
Belgium	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
The Netherlands	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Germany	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Greece	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Malta	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Portugal	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Italy	Delaying or easing full EES checks.
Switzerland	Delaying or easing full EES checks.

This table outlines the general approach of the identified countries. It is important to remember that individual airports or land crossings within these countries might have slightly different procedures in practice. The ongoing technical work aims to ensure the system operates smoothly and efficiently for all travelers in the future.

Spain Adheres to Full EES Implementation Schedule

In contrast to the nine countries, Spain is fully implementing the EES according to the established timetable. This creates another layer of variation for travelers navigating Europe’s external borders. The distinction between countries fully implementing the system and those easing enforcement is noticeable at both airports and other crossing points. Some locations are still in the process of introducing biometric data collection, while others have experienced delays attributed to the new system.

Airlines and aviation industry representatives had previously warned that ending the flexibility period without fully resolving operational issues could lead to “significant waits.” Some in the industry have described the rollout as a “shambles” and have called for the European Commission to extend the derogation period until at least April 2027. These concerns highlight the pressure on busy entry points when processing fingerprints, facial scans, and passport records, especially with the added biometric step replacing manual stamping. The procedures are still transitioning, and the nine governments are utilizing available flexibility while technical problems are addressed. The next anticipated milestone is France’s end-of-2026 flexibility period, with industry groups advocating for an extension until at least April 2027.

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