EU Border Systems in Turmoil: Nine Schengen Countries Refuse Full EES Implementation as ETIAS Faces Further Delays
Updated: 3 hours ago
BRUSSELS, September 16, 2026 — The European Union's flagship border management overhaul is facing mounting implementation problems, with nine Schengen countries now refusing to operate the Entry/Exit System fully at all borders, while the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) slips further into uncertainty.
France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland have informed the European Commission that they cannot yet enforce the EES in full, citing technical failures, infrastructure gaps and fears of severe passenger congestion. The EU has informally permitted the delay, with no clear time limit attached.
Which Countries Are Delaying Full EES Implementation?
Country | Status |
France | Partial implementation only; flexibility confirmed until end of year |
Germany | Not operating EES at all borders and all times |
Italy | Partial; technical issues remain |
Belgium | Partial; Eurostar terminal and Antwerp port already using EES |
Netherlands | Partial; Schiphol airport operational but other crossings lagging |
Greece | Partial; some entry points using system, others not |
Malta | Not operating EES at all borders and all times |
Portugal | Partial; early difficulties at airports |
Switzerland | Partial; airport-only implementation |
The flexibility that allowed countries to suspend biometric checks during peak periods expired on September 6, 2026. The Commission had previously stated it would not extend this exception. Despite that position, the nine countries have effectively been given informal permission to continue bending the rules.
Why the EES Is Struggling
The Entry/Exit System was designed to replace manual passport stamping with digital registration, collecting fingerprints and facial images from non-EU travellers on their first entry to the Schengen Area. Data is stored for three years and matched against central records managed by eu-LISA.
Technical Failures
Biometric kiosks and tablets have repeatedly failed to transmit traveller information correctly, while border officials in some locations have struggled to access passenger files. The problems have produced:
Queues of up to three hours at some airports and ferry ports
Missed connections for travellers
Warnings from ferry operators that systems are not fast or reliable enough for large passenger volumes
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International and Airlines for Europe have all warned that full enforcement amid ongoing instability would cause further congestion and disruption.
Uneven Rollout
Despite the broader delays, some major hubs are already fully operational:
Location | Status |
Frankfurt Airport | EES operational |
Schiphol Airport | EES operational |
Eurostar Terminal, Brussels | EES operational |
Port of Antwerp | EES operational |
Approximately 12 airports still require infrastructure upgrades before the system can function properly.
Scale of the System
Metric | Figure |
Total registrations | ~200 million |
Entries prevented | ~70,000 |
Security risks identified | ~1,000 |
Weekly registrations | ~2 million |
ETIAS: Still Waiting in the Wings
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) remains not in operation, and no applications are being collected. The Commission's official position is that ETIAS will launch in the last quarter of 2026, though the exact date will be confirmed later.
Because ETIAS is designed to commence a few months after the EES is fully operational, the EES delays directly affect the ETIAS timeline. Any prolonged EES disruption will push ETIAS further back.
What ETIAS Will Require
Once operational, ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Aspect | Details |
Fee | €20 (increased from €7) |
Validity | 3 years or until passport expires |
Application | Online via official website or app |
Approval | Most applications processed within minutes |
Transitional Period | First 6 months — no authorisation required |
Grace Period | Following 6 months — first-time arrivals exempt |
The fee increase from €7 to €20 is undergoing a two-month review by the Council and European Parliament.
Who Will Need ETIAS?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan — will need ETIAS authorisation for short stays. Nationals of countries requiring a Schengen visa, such as India, will not need ETIAS.
What This Means for Travellers
For now, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area may encounter uneven procedures depending on the border crossing:
Some airports are collecting biometric data as planned
Others are continuing to stamp passports manually
Ferry ports and smaller crossings may operate under different rules
Travellers should:
Carry valid identification at all times
Allow extra time at borders, especially at major hubs
Monitor official EU channels for updates on both EES and ETIAS
Be prepared for inconsistency — procedures may vary by location and time of day
Read More
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Official Page | |
ETIAS Official Page | |
Travel to Europe Mobile App | Available on official EU app stores |
eu-LISA (System Operator) |
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