Did we call it or what? The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launch hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. Just ask the passengers who’ve been stuck in three-hour lines or missing flights while the kinks are worked out.

As of April 10, 2026, EES is officially live across 29 European countries, replacing manual passport stamps with biometric scans. This system is the essential “foundation” for the ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System), which is currently slated for a late 2026 rollout. Basically, the EU needs to prove these digital border gates work before they start requiring everyone to apply for “digital permission” to fly and enter the Schengen Area (we always have a difficult time pronouncing that).

The reports of long lines aren’t just rumors; major hubs like Paris CDG and Amsterdam Schiphol have seen some rough mornings. The main bottleneck? First-time registration. Once your face and fingerprints are in the system, the next trip should be as simple as a quick scan—but registering millions of people for the first time is a massive “mountain” to climb.

According to a recent post from our friends at The Points Guy (we ❤️ them!), the experience has been a total mixed bag. Several of their followers reported major headaches—including one EasyJet flight out of Milan that reportedly left with over 100 passengers still stuck in the registration queue. However, others were pleasantly surprised to find they had no issues at all, proving that your experience right now really depends on which airport you hit and what time you land.

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10MTN Pre-Check

• Arrive Early: If you’re heading over this spring, experts suggest budgeting at least 3 to 4 hours for border control at major hubs like Paris (CDG), Amsterdam, or Rome. Don’t become one of those “missed flight” statistics!
• Download the App: The best move you can make is downloading the official “Travel to Europe” app. You can upload your passport info, take your “selfie” facial scan, and answer entry questions up to 72 hours before you arrive.
  • Note: Currently, the app is most effective for entry into Portugal and Sweden, with more countries being added monthly!

Because we ❤️ you, we’ve gathered resources and links to major airports throughout the EU below. You can thank us by letting your friends, family, the monsters under your bed, and even your frenemies know we’re your travel news besties.

Disclaimer: While we do everything in our power to keep this content fresh, travel requirements and procedures change frequently. Always verify necessary documentation with official government sources before you fly.