The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) resumes full operation on Sunday, September 6, 2026, meaning UK travellers entering countries like France, Spain, Greece and Portugal will again face biometric checks that could cause long queues.
The system, which requires travellers to have their picture taken, fingerprints scanned and passport copied by a machine, was officially launched in October 2025. However, queues sometimes reached around four hours, leading to machines being switched off at some borders and a new full-use date set for September 6, 2026.
Delays and suspensions
EES was originally planned to go live in 2022 but was repeatedly delayed due to technical problems and to avoid peak travel times. It was supposed to be fully rolled out within six months of its October 2025 launch.
By April this year, severe queue delays had already caused passengers to miss flights. Greece temporarily suspended EES, followed by suspensions at multiple other EU borders. Those suspensions are supposed to end today.
Airlines call for extension
Airlines have called for the EU to extend the suspension until the end of this year. There are reports that not everyone will face EES, with France reportedly suffering technical problems that could see it out of use this week. The fingerprinting kiosks at Port of Dover and London St Pancras are not currently working.
A Eurotunnel spokesperson told The Guardian it is “awaiting confirmation from the French authorities on the timing of this next phase”.
Mixed implementation
A source told The Guardian some countries, including Greece, may continue to use manual checks rather than the automated system despite the September 6 deadline. Airlines trade body Iata last week called for an official extension, saying there are still delays and still reports of missed flights.
A European Commission spokesperson said: “We are in close and constructive contact with those few member states where some adjustments are needed at certain border crossing points. And during an additional period of operational adjustment that is needed at these few operational border crossing points, the commission stands ready to provide additional support to these member states.”
