Transportation

9 European countries delay biometric border checks

Image: Adobe stock

September 15, 2026

Summarize with

Nine European countries, including several popular destinations for British travelers, have been granted a delay in the full implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System as officials continue to grapple with technical problems and long lines at border checkpoints, according to a Mirror report. France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland are continuing to ease some biometric checks despite the expiration of a temporary flexibility period on Sept. 6.

The EES requires travelers from outside the EU, including most British visitors, to register passport information and biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images when crossing the Schengen area's external borders. The system is intended to replace manual passport stamping and improve border security, but its rollout has been accompanied by lengthy waits, technology problems and concerns about staffing at airports and other crossings.

The latest flexibility means travelers may encounter different procedures depending on where they enter or leave the Schengen area, with manual processing continuing in some locations. Airlines and travel organizations have criticized the uneven rollout, and Ryanair has called for the ability to ease EES requirements to continue until at least April 2027.