New EU Entry-Exit System causes three-hour queues for non-EU travellers at Brussels Airport

The rollout of the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) has led to major delays at Brussels Airport, where some non-EU passengers reported waiting up to three hours to clear border control this week.

The new digital system — introduced on Sunday — replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric registration, requiring fingerprints and photos from travellers entering the Schengen Area. It is intended to streamline processing and tighten security but has instead caused significant bottlenecks in its early phase.

American traveller Rebecca Wells told The Brussels Times that queues for non-EU arrivals were “considerably longer” than those for EU citizens and described confusion at the border, saying there was “nobody there to brief you or tell you what was going on.” Despite the new system, her passport was still stamped manually.

A Federal Police spokesperson said delays were caused by “a combination of factors,” though did not confirm whether the EES was the main reason.

The EES rollout is being implemented gradually and will become fully operational across all Schengen external borders by April 10, 2026. Once registered, travellers’ biometric data will remain valid for three years, allowing faster face-scan verification on future trips.

The system applies to non-EU nationals entering 29 participating countries, including visitors from the UK and the US. Authorities say it will improve border security and enforce the 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period.

Implementation is also beginning at other border points:

• Dover: Required for coach passengers starting now; other travellers from November 1.
• Eurostar: Currently limited to business travellers.
• Eurotunnel: Rolling out first for coaches and lorries before expanding to cars.

The EU hopes the system will eventually reduce waiting times, but the chaotic scenes in Brussels suggest a challenging transition period ahead for international travellers.