# EU Entry-Exit System could trigger long border queues this summer, warns Berlin airport chief
The introduction of the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES) is set to reshape how travellers pass through Schengen external borders. While the system aims to strengthen security and modernize border controls by using biometric data, airport leaders are increasingly concerned about the speed of processing at passport control. Berlin’s airport director has issued a stark warning that, unless measures are taken, queues this coming summer could become excessive and difficult to manage.
This article explains what the EES does, why it may slow down arrivals and departures, how airports and authorities are responding, what travellers can do to reduce their risk of delays, and which policy options could help reduce pressure on border infrastructure.
## What is the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The Entry-Exit System is a new EU-wide border management platform designed to record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals crossing Schengen external borders. Instead of the traditional passport stamp, authorities collect biometric identifiers — typically facial images and fingerprints — along with travel document data and the date and place of crossing. These records are stored centrally to help manage overstays, detect identity fraud, and improve migration management.
EES is intended to be more accurate and efficient in the long term, streamlining statistics and strengthening security. But the collection of biometric data at the point of entry and exit adds time to each passenger interaction at passport control compared with the manual stamping process many border guards previously used.
## Why the EES could slow border crossings
There are several reasons why the EES is likely to increase processing times, at least during the initial period of full implementation:
– Biometric capture takes longer than stamping. Capturing facial and fingerprint biometrics, verifying their quality, and confirming identity against travel documents inevitably requires additional seconds or even minutes per traveller.
– New technical and operational workflows. Border officers must follow updated procedures, use new equipment, and troubleshoot errors — all of which can lengthen interactions while staff adapt.
– System performance under heavy loads. Centralized databases and communication links are under much greater strain during mass arrival periods, such as summer holiday peaks. Any latency in verifying records can create local bottlenecks.
– Passenger unfamiliarity. Travellers who have not encountered biometric gates before may be unsure of what to do, causing delays and requiring staff assistance.
– Staffing and training gaps. Airports and border agencies need to recruit and train staff to operate the new system and manage peak demand — a process that can lag behind rollout timelines.
Taken together, these factors can multiply wait times at passport control during busy holiday periods, prompting warnings from airport executives about the passenger experience and knock-on impacts for operations.
## Why Berlin’s airport boss is worried
The leader of Berlin’s principal airport has publicly cautioned that the EES rollout could make summer queues “not bearable” unless steps are taken quickly. Airports are preparing for the usual tourism surge, but they also face constraints on gate capacity, limited floor space for queuing, and challenges in scaling up border control staffing on short notice.
Airport directors are mindful of reputational risk: lengthy delays and chaotic scenes at passport control can harm an airport’s standing and undermine confidence among carriers and travellers. For a city like Berlin, a major tourism and business destination, persistent bottlenecks could deter visitors and complicate scheduling for airlines.
## Real-world impact: what travellers might experience
If passport control becomes slower, the consequences ripple through the airport journey:
– Longer arrival processing times can backlog baggage claim areas, reducing the speed at which luggage reaches carousels and increasing congestion in terminals.
– Delays at departure passport control risk missed flights, especially for tight connection windows.
– Surface access and curbside operations may become chaotic as passengers trying to catch taxis or rideshares are delayed inside the terminal.
– Staff diversion: Ground handling and customer service resources may need to be redeployed to manage queues and passenger inquiries, reducing efficiency elsewhere.
Although many airports are working on mitigation plans, passengers should expect occasional lengthier waits, especially during peak travel days, until processes and staffing are fully optimized.
## How airports and authorities are responding
Airport operators, border agencies, and airlines are exploring a range of operational and technological measures to keep lines moving:
– Increasing staffing levels and training: Border agencies are hiring temporary and permanent staff and running intensive training to speed up EES processes and troubleshoot issues.
– Adding dedicated lanes: Airports can set up separate lanes for families, business travellers, or EU/EEA citizens (who are not processed under EES) to streamline flows.
– Self-service kiosks and e-gates: Where permitted, automated kiosks that capture biometrics before passport control and e-gates can reduce face-to-face processing time.
– Pre-screening options: Some airports and authorities are expanding pre-registration or pre-clearance features that let officials verify data ahead of arrival.
– Mobile border units and flexible scheduling: Temporary border checkpoints and dynamic deployment of staff at peak times offer short-term relief on busy days.
– Improved passenger communication: Clear signage, pre-travel information campaigns, and on-site assistance reduce confusion and speed processing.
These measures can significantly mitigate delays, but they require investment, coordination, and time to implement.
## What travellers can do to reduce risk of delays
If you’re planning travel through Schengen external borders this summer, a few proactive steps can help reduce your time at passport control and make the experience smoother:
– Build extra time into your itinerary. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual for departures and allow additional time for arrivals and connections.
– Use e-gates or kiosks if eligible. Some travellers may be able to use automated gates that speed up processing — check your departure and arrival airport facilities.
– Have documents ready and accessible. Keep your passport and any supporting documents handy to avoid fumbling in line.
– Follow airport guidance. Pay attention to signage and staff instructions; they are often adjusted to match current operational needs.
– Travel light and consider longer connection windows. If you have a tight connection, build in buffer time or book a later connecting flight when possible.
– Register with airline apps and check status updates. Airline communications may provide real-time guidance on boarding and border control changes.
– Avoid peak travel days and hours if you can. Travelling slightly off-peak can translate into much shorter queues.
These practical steps can reduce stress and help travellers navigate the transition period more comfortably.
## Economic and tourism implications
Prolonged border delays can have broader consequences beyond passenger inconvenience. Tourism-dependent businesses — hotels, attractions, tours, and local transport providers — may see reduced visitor satisfaction and repeat bookings if their clientele encounters significant friction at entry. Airlines could face higher disruption costs and reputational damage, while airports might experience strained commercial areas as congestion spreads.
Efficient border controls are also crucial for business travel and events. Conference organizers and companies that rely on seamless cross-border movement may lobby for fast-track solutions to preserve commerce and investment flows.
## Policy options and long-term fixes
To reduce the risk of sustained disruption, policymakers and EU institutions can consider several options:
– Phased or targeted rollout adjustments. Authorities might apply staggered measures during peak seasons or prioritize certain categories of travellers to spread load over time.
– Investment in infrastructure. Funding for additional e-gates, kiosks, and improved connectivity to central EES services can increase throughput.
– Cross-border workforce planning. Creating regional pools of trained border officers who can be deployed flexibly during peaks would offer resilience.
– Enhanced pre-enrolment and data-sharing. Secure and privacy-compliant pre-screening systems could reduce on-the-spot processing for frequent travellers.
– Continuous performance monitoring. Real-time analytics can flag bottlenecks and trigger rapid operational responses at affected gateways.
Balancing security, privacy, and operational efficiency is essential. Policymakers must weigh the benefits of tighter border controls against the potential harm to tourism and transport networks if processing becomes persistently slow.
## What to watch in the coming months
Passengers and industry stakeholders should monitor a few key indicators:
– Official guidance from airports and border agencies about opening hours, queue-management options, and expected wait times.
– Announcements of temporary measures such as additional lanes, mobile units, or expanded kiosk deployment.
– Airline advisories about recommended arrival times and connection windows.
– Public feedback and media reports on how busy border points are performing during the initial summer peaks.
Early signs of success will include reduced average processing times, fewer missed connections, and calmer terminal experiences during busy periods.
## Final thoughts: balancing security with passenger experience
The EU Entry-Exit System represents a major modernization of border management, with clear benefits for security and migration oversight. However, like any large-scale technological shift in public infrastructure, its rollout comes with operational challenges. Airport managers’ warnings — notably from Berlin’s leadership — underline the need for coordinated, well-funded responses to prevent manageable delays from becoming major disruptions.
Airports, border agencies, airlines, and policymakers must collaborate to deploy short-term fixes and long-term improvements. Meanwhile, travellers can take practical steps to limit their exposure to delays. With smart planning and rapid adaptation, stakeholders can aim to preserve both the integrity of the external border and a positive travel experience for millions of holidaymakers this summer.
## Conclusion
The Entry-Exit System is poised to change how non-EU nationals are processed at Schengen borders, bringing improved security and recordkeeping but also potential processing slowdowns. Airport executives’ concerns highlight a real risk of unacceptable delays during peak travel months if mitigation is insufficient. Both operational fixes — more staff, e-gates, pre-screening — and policy-level support are needed to avoid bottlenecks. Travellers should prepare by allowing extra time, using automated lanes where available, and staying informed. With coordinated effort, the EU can implement EES while keeping summer travel efficient and manageable.