The new EU biometric control system, EES (Entry/Exit System), was supposed to speed up border crossing — instead, it caused a collapse in major European airports. During peak hours, queues at passport control reach three to five hours, people miss flights, and airlines refuse to wait. The problem also affected Bratislava.
What the system is and why it slows down
EES replaced the usual passport stamps with electronic registration of entries and exits for third-country nationals. At the first crossing of the Schengen border, a traveler’s fingerprints are taken, their face is photographed, and the passport is scanned. This takes several minutes instead of a few seconds for a stamp. The system’s goal is to automatically track who has exceeded the allowed 90 days of stay within a 180-day period.
The launch was planned for 2022 but was postponed several times due to technical problems. Gradual implementation began on October 12, 2025, and from April 10, 2026, EES became mandatory at all Schengen zone checkpoints, writes Time. Major disruptions started right after the full launch.
Now about who the system does not affect. It works for short-term trips of third-country nationals. If you live in Slovakia with dočasné útočisko (temporary asylum) or a residence permit, you cross the border as a resident — you are not subject to the “90/180” scan. But you will stand in queues with those who are registered.
Queues of several hours — and airports turn off the system
According to the airport association ACI Europe, during peak periods, waiting times at border control reach from two to three up to five hours. Amsterdam’s Schiphol records an average wait of one to two hours for passengers with passports from non-EU countries and calls this unacceptable, reports NL Times.
To prevent a total collapse, the European Commission allowed airports to temporarily disable EES during peak hours and return to manual checks. Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt am Main, Brussels, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, and major Greek airports are already using this. The concession is valid only until early September 2026. The Netherlands and several other countries are asking to extend it, but no decision has been made yet.
Causes of the chaos include a shortage of border guards, technical failures of self-service kiosks, and a low share of travelers using mobile apps for pre-registration of data.
What about Bratislava?
M. R. Štefánik Airport also confirmed a noticeable increase in waiting times at border control for flights from outside the EU. Airport management urges passengers to arrive much earlier and promises to install an additional counter for border police, according to a statement from Bratislava airport.
For Ukrainians in Slovakia, this is especially relevant for flights to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, or Middle Eastern countries — these have full border control. If you plan to travel, check our section on transport and routes.
A separate issue is the position of low-cost carriers. Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline will not wait for passengers stuck in queues due to EES: flights will depart without those who do not reach the gate on time. According to him, the carriage rules have already changed, and complaints should be addressed to the European Commission — “take Brussels officials to court.” The European Commission itself admits the system is not perfect but does not intend to stop it.
What to do if you are flying soon
- Arrive at the airport with a 3-hour or more buffer for flights outside Schengen — official recommendation from Bratislava airport.
- Follow airline notifications: low-cost carriers will not delay departures because of queues.
- Have a document confirming your residence status in Slovakia at hand — this will speed up your personal check.
By the way, due to problems with EES, the EU postponed the launch of the related ETIAS system — a paid electronic entry authorization for visa-free country citizens — indefinitely. So at least one formality will be less for upcoming trips.
