The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has led to waiting times exceeding 70 minutes at Brussels Airport. Authorities stated that the main cause of the congestion is biometric processing.
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has resulted in long queues at passport control at Brussels Airport.
According to national media, airport spokesperson Quentin Mertens said passengers were forced to wait for extended periods to pass through passport control, with waiting times reaching up to 70 minutes around 09:00.
The main reasons for the congestion were identified as the new electronic border control system and staff shortages.
The Entry/Exit System requires non-EU travelers to complete digital registration processes, which has lengthened passport control times.
Officials noted that the collection of biometric data requires additional time for each passenger, increasing waiting times especially during peak periods.
It was also reported that the Belgian government has temporarily postponed the biometric data collection phase planned under the system due to the long queues.
Meanwhile, passenger numbers at the airport are expected to rise with the start of the Easter holiday. Authorities estimate that more than 1.25 million passengers will pass through the airport from Friday until April 19.
Under the new system, non-EU travelers are required to provide fingerprints and have their biometric photos taken.
The system will also automatically calculate the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period and send notifications to relevant authorities in case of overstays.
It was stated that the collected biometric data will be stored for three years, with the aim of speeding up procedures for future travel.
The EES is also expected to serve as a primary data source for the ETIAS system, which is planned to be launched in the last quarter of 2026.