Europe’s New Schengen Entry System Causes Major Delays For UAE Travelers—What’s Behind The Wait Times And How To Prepare

Starting today, the new Schengen Entry System introduces biometric checks at European borders, replacing traditional passport stamps. This change aims to enhance security and streamline the entry process, but it also means that UAE travelers will experience longer wait times, especially at major airports. With the system still in its early stages, passengers should expect delays as facial recognition and fingerprint scans are implemented, causing some disruptions during the transition period.

Europe Launches New Entry/Exit System to Replace Passport Stamps with Biometrics: What UAE Travelers Need to Know

Starting today, October 12, 2025, Europe introduces the new Entry/Exit System (EES), a significant upgrade in border management that replaces traditional passport stamps with biometric checks. The system will primarily impact non-EU travelers, including those from the UAE, offering enhanced security and more accurate tracking of entries and exits. However, this change also means longer waiting times at airports during the early phases of the rollout as the system settles into place. Here’s a guide on what’s changing and how to prepare for your upcoming trip.

Key Changes to Expect

Under the new system, travelers entering the Schengen Area will undergo biometric scans, which will include facial recognition and fingerprint verification in addition to passport details. This process aims to streamline border control procedures and enhance security, but will take time to fully implement.

The system rollout will occur over a six-month period, with the full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. During this transition phase, travelers may still encounter some border points where passport stamps are issued instead of biometric checks, depending on the readiness of local systems.

Why There Might Be Delays

While the new system promises to offer greater efficiency and security, the initial stages of its implementation could cause delays, particularly for first-time biometric registrations. Here’s why:

1. First-time Biometric Registration: For many travelers, this will be their first time undergoing biometric registration, which can take several minutes. Initial processing time for a first entry is estimated to be around 10-15 minutes, excluding waiting time. During peak periods, this could stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour in busy airports.
2. High Traffic at Major Airports: Airports with high volumes of international traffic, such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, are likely to experience the longest queues, particularly during peak travel hours. Cities like Munich, Rome, and Barcelona may also see delays during rush hours as multiple wide-body flights land around the same time.
3. Land Borders and Ports Will Take Longer to Adapt: While airports are the first to implement the system, land and sea border points may continue using a mix of manual and digital systems for the time being. Travelers crossing these points may encounter more confusion and delays during the transition.
4. Staff Training and Technical Issues: The border teams will need time to adjust to the new system, and technical glitches are a possibility. Some checkpoints might not be ready for the full biometric rollout, leading to inconsistencies in the experience for travelers.
5. Mismatched Data May Cause Delays: If there is a mismatch between your biometric data and the records stored in the system (such as visa data from a previous trip), border officers may need to manually review the case, which could result in extra waiting time.

Impact on Schengen Visa Processing

The new Entry/Exit System won’t directly affect the processing of Schengen visas, as these are handled by consulates and visa centers through the existing Visa Information System (VIS). However, there could be indirect delays during the early phase of the rollout. Some applicants may be required to resubmit biometric data to ensure it aligns with the new database, and cases with discrepancies might be flagged for further review. Smaller consulates could also experience delays due to potential backlogs caused by the system rollout.

While visa processing remains the same, travelers might face additional delays at the border, especially those visiting the Schengen Area for the first time.

What to Expect in Different Countries

• France, Germany, Netherlands: These countries are expected to experience the longest queues, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, as wide-body flights land nearly simultaneously. Expect longer processing times at major hubs.
• Eastern and Smaller Schengen States: Countries with lighter traffic will likely experience a smoother transition to the new system, resulting in shorter wait times for travelers.
• First Few Months: The most significant delays are expected until mid-2026. After this period, repeat travelers whose biometric data is already in the system will benefit from quicker entry processing.
• Peak Travel Test: The real test for the new system will come during peak travel periods. The efficiency and speed of biometric checks will be crucial during this time, and delays may be more pronounced.

Tips for UAE Travelers

If you’re traveling from the UAE to Europe during the initial phase of the EES rollout, here are some tips to help you navigate the changes:

• Arrive Early: Allow extra time for check-in and immigration processes, particularly if it’s your first trip under the new system. It’s advisable to arrive well ahead of your flight’s departure time.
• Carry Copies of Your Visa and ID: Even though the system will rely on biometric data, it’s still a good idea to have printed copies of your visa and ID with you as a backup.
• Check Your Passport: If you hold a non-UAE passport, make sure your biometric data aligns with your visa records. Mismatches could cause delays.
• Follow Updates: Keep an eye out for any updates from airlines or embassy advisories about the new system and potential changes at the airport.
• Avoid Tight Connections: If you’re transferring between flights at major European hubs, make sure you leave sufficient time between flights to account for potential delays at immigration.
• Be Patient: While the transition to biometric checks may take some time, it will eventually streamline the process for frequent travelers. For now, it’s important to stay calm and give yourself room for delays.

Once your biometric data is registered in the system, future entries into Europe will be faster, as your information will be stored for quicker processing. By April 2026, all Schengen Area airports, ports, and land borders are expected to fully implement the system, making passport stamps a thing of the past. Automatic biometric checks will replace stamps, creating a more efficient and secure travel experience for frequent flyers.

While the initial months of this transition may present challenges, the new EES system is designed to improve security, reduce fraud, and expedite the entry process in the long term. Until then, travelers are advised to plan accordingly, stay informed, and expect a smoother travel experience as the system stabilizes.

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