Over 43,000 People Denied Entry to the EU by New Border System

EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) Rolls Out at External Borders

According to УНІАН — Туризм: The rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the EU's external borders has led to delays and disruptions in passenger travel. To address long queues, the European Commission plans to hold talks with member states. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced these consultations in a letter sent on Friday.

First introduced in phases in October of last year, the EES took eight years to prepare. Non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area now must have their photo taken and provide fingerprints. Industry groups such as Airlines for Europe and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have voiced concerns over the resulting delays.

Challenges and Solutions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged technical issues, stating:

“Significant work will be needed to resolve these technical problems.”

She assured that the Commission would make extra efforts to assist member states still facing difficulties. Since the system's launch in October 2025, it has barred entry to 43,728 individuals. These include:

• 16,383 travelers who could not justify their trip's purpose;
• 8,739 people who may have exceeded their allowed stay;
• Over 400 individuals attempting to cross with forged documents.

Despite these issues, Magnus Brunner noted that

“the system is generally working efficiently in most member states and European airports.”

However, he stressed the need for measures to reduce queues and delays for passengers.

The EES implementation highlights the EU's growing focus on border security amid rising passenger volumes. The challenges encountered point to the need for better technology and coordination among member states. Future negotiations could streamline control processes, improving the traveler experience while enhancing regional security.

The recent implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) has not only led to significant delays but also raised concerns about passenger experience at airports. For a closer look at the chaotic scenes unfolding as travelers navigate the new requirements, see how the new system has caused airport disruptions across Europe.