# EU EES implementation and expiring biometric flexibility > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-entry-exit-system-implementation-and-travel-delays > Updated: 2026-09-07T07:41:47.000Z. Sources: 62. Developments: 7. The implementation of the European Union’s new Entry Exit System (EES) has caused significant increases in border control waiting times at several major European airports. The digital system, which replaces manual passport stamping with biometric data collection including fingerprints and photos, has led to processing times for non-EU travelers nearly doubling at hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Munich. Brussels Airport has reported delays exceeding two hours for departures and three hours for arrivals. After nearly 300 days of operation across approximately 1,500 border crossings in 29 Schengen countries, the EES has recorded approximately 160 million border crossings and denied entry to over 50,000 individuals. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner described the technology as ‘the most modern border protection system in the world,’ noting its success in identifying security risks. Despite these benefits, passenger anxiety remains high due to technical glitches and long queues. As of September 6, 2026, the temporary flexibility period for the EES has expired, removing the ability for member states to temporarily suspend biometric data collection during periods of extreme congestion. This expiration has raised significant concerns regarding border stability, as industry groups like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warn of renewed chaos. Data indicates that passport control times have increased from an average of 20–25 seconds to approximately 90 seconds. While the European Commission has not extended the flexibility measures, some member states may continue less strict implementation at overwhelmed crossings. In France, technical software issues have prevented the full rollout of fingerprint kiosks at major transit points like Eurotunnel and Eurostar, necessitating continued manual registration for the time being. Following the expiration of the flexibility period, Ryanair has called on the European Commission to extend the derogation until at least April 2027. ## Claims - IATA has requested that the temporary flexibility for EES controls be extended until the end of 2026. (disputed by 7 sources) - Transport companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia will begin regional protests on September 14, 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Entry/Exit System (EES) has recorded nearly 160 million border crossings. (corroborated by 6 sources) - More than 50,000 people have been denied entry to the EU via the EES. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The EES has identified nearly 1,500 individuals posing a security risk. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Magnus Brunner described the EES as the most modern border protection system in the world. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The EES is implemented at 1,500 border crossings across 29 Schengen countries. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Biometric checks in Romania identified a Moldovan citizen traveling under a false identity. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Belgian authorities recorded 108 hits on wanted persons using biometric fingerprints. (corroborated by 6 sources) - EU rules allowed member states to temporarily suspend biometric data collection at specific border crossings during periods of extreme congestion. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational across participating European borders on April 10, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Temporary flexibility measures for the EES biometric border checks are scheduled to expire on September 6, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Ryanair urges EU to extend border control derogation until 2027 Ryanair is urging the European Commission to extend EES border control derogations until April 2027 to prevent massive airport queues and technical disruptions caused by the new digital entry/exit system. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryanair-urges-eu-to-extend-border-control-derogation-until-2027 ### 2026-09-05: EU border delays loom as EES flexibility expires and transport protests are announced The end of EES flexibility in the EU threatens increased border delays and biometric check requirements. Meanwhile, Western Balkan transport companies plan regional protests on September 14 over driver stay's. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-entryexit-system-flexibility-expiration-threatens-border-delays ### 2026-09-03: EU Entry/Exit System flexibility measures to expire September 6 The EU's temporary flexibility for biometric border checks under the Entry/Exit System (EES) expires on September 6, 2026, sparking warnings of increased travel delays and congestion. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-entryexit-system-flexibility-to-expire-amid-border-disruption-concerns ### 2026-08-25: EU Entry/Exit System records 160 million crossings and blocks 50,000 entries The EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) has recorded 160 million crossings and blocked 50,000 unauthorized entries, while travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina face potential border delays. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-entryexit-system-records-160-million-crossings-and-blocks-50000-entries ### 2026-08-22: EU Entry/Exit System records 160 million crossings and 50,000 denials The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has recorded 160 million crossings and denied 50,000 entries in its first 300 days, using biometrics to identify 1,500 security risks despite reports of travel delays. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-entryexit-system-records-50000-denials-amid-travel-delays ### 2026-08-17: Travelers discuss airline baggage rules and EES system Travelers discuss airline baggage enforcement, specifically with Wizz Air, and express concerns regarding the impact of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) on airport wait times and boarding. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/travelers-discuss-airline-baggage-rules-and-ees-system ### 2026-08-13: EU Entry Exit System causes doubled airport wait times The EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) has caused border control waiting times to double at major European airports, including Frankfurt and Amsterdam, due to new biometric registration requirements. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-entry-exit-system-causes-doubled-airport-wait-times --- Cite as: EU EES implementation and expiring biometric flexibility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-entry-exit-system-implementation-and-travel-delays