New Border System EES Could Cause Hours-Long Airport Lines for Ukrainians

Passport Control Delays Expected in Summer 2026

According to Главком: Ukrainians planning to travel in the summer of 2026 should be aware of potential delays at passport control due to the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). Ryanair has warned that the new system could lead to multi-hour queues at airports, affecting Ukrainian citizens crossing the external Schengen border. The worst delays are anticipated at airports that have not adequately prepared for the EES rollout.

According to available information, the main causes of delays will be:

• staff shortages;
• insufficient number of biometric registration points;
• high passenger volumes typical of the summer season.

Airports most likely to experience the longest queues include Tenerife South, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga (Spain), Milan Bergamo (Italy), Krakow (Poland), and Paris Beauvais (France). Wait times at border control in some of these airports could reach up to five hours, already causing passengers to miss boarding and flight departures.

Ryanair's Recommendations

The EES system replaces traditional passport stamps with biometric data collection, including digital photos and fingerprints. This procedure is mandatory for all non-EU nationals, including Ukrainians. Ryanair has called on national governments to temporarily suspend the EES until after the summer season, stating that

“passengers and their families should not be used as guinea pigs for an unfinished passport control system,”

according to Neil McMahon.

To reduce the likelihood of delays, Ryanair advises passengers to:

• arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time;
• pre-register using the Travel to Europe app;
• have their passport and boarding pass ready in advance;
• keep in mind that processing times may vary by country and airport.

Many Ukrainians currently reside in EU countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy, which may also affect their travel plans. Therefore, Ukrainians planning summer 2026 trips should stay informed about the new requirements and potential challenges linked to the EES system to avoid unexpected complications.

The introduction of the EES poses fresh challenges for travelers that could significantly disrupt their itineraries. During the peak summer travel season, it is crucial for airports to be fully prepared to implement the new control procedures. Following Ryanair's guidance, passengers should factor these considerations into their trip planning to minimize delays and unforeseen issues at the checkpoint stage. This is especially relevant for Ukrainians intending to visit EU countries where the EES will be enforced.

As the summer of 2026 approaches, the impact of the new EES system on travel times is becoming increasingly significant. To understand which airports are likely to experience the longest delays and prepare accordingly, you can read more about the specific locations identified by Ryanair that may face the most severe queues this season in our detailed report on airports facing the longest queues.