Overview
- As of January 9, member states must operate biometric functionality at a minimum of 50% of border crossing points and register at least 35% of third‑country crossings in the Entry/Exit System.
- Airport operators report processing times up to 70% longer and peak waits of up to three hours, with transit passengers at risk of missed connections under Schengen first‑entry rules.
- Portugal has suspended EES at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport for three months and deployed 24 National Republican Guard personnel to arrivals after the European Commission flagged serious deficiencies.
- ACI Europe warns the higher registration threshold could trigger severe congestion and safety risks, while ABTA urges use of contingency options such as temporarily standing down the system or limiting checks.
- The phased expansion continues toward full implementation by April 10, 2026, and the UK has provided £10.5 million to upgrade juxtaposed ports to prepare for EES procedures.