THE new EES is officially underway – and the new system has already been causing long wait times at certain airports.
Passengers at Brussels Airport have complained about waiting for up to three hours to get through border control this week.
One passenger spoke to The Brussels Times about her ordeal getting through border control at Brussels Airport claiming she waited for more than three hours.
Rebecca Wells who was travelling with a US passport, told the publication that the queue for those arriving outside of the EU was much longer than the one for EU passports.
She added: “There was nobody there to brief you or tell you what was going on.”
And when it came to the new EES system, it wasn’t used. Rebecca explained that her passport was “stamped like normal”.
Despite there being a spot to take fingerprints, it wasn’t used.
Another disgruntled passenger took to social media taking a picture of the queue and remarked that just two out of the five customs booths were open during “peak time”.
However, another passenger who also spoke to The Brussels Times on an EU passport said it was “all digital” and she had no issues going through.
When The Brussels Times approached Brussels Airport for comment, they could not confirm whether the long wait times were due to the EES system.
A spokesperson for the Federal Police, which is responsible for the airport’s border control, told the publication that the long wait time was due to “a combination of factors”.
The new EES rules began the first phase of the rollout on October 12, 2025.
For travellers, it means having fingerprints scanned and photo taken at European borders.
The new system is being rolled out across Europe gradually and is set to be completely operational at all external Schengen border crossings by April 10, 2026.
At Dover, the new EES is required by coach drivers and won’t apply to other passengers until November 1.
Meanwhile, Eurostar has started with just business travellers, and the Eurotunnel will begin with coaches and lorries before moving to cars.
The first time you travel and will be required to use the EES system, you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk.
You’ll scan your passport, then the machine will take your fingerprints and a photo.
Kids under 12 will not need to give fingerprints.
You will also answer four quick questions on the screen about your trip, such as where you are staying and confirming you have enough money for your holiday.
Once registered, your details are stored for three years, and on future trips, you’ll just need a quick face scan to verify it is you.
Here’s more on the new EES rules and how it will affect your travels.
And here’s more information on the ETIAS – set to be in place from late 2026.