France Increased Biometric Checks as EU Entry/Exit System Rolled Out

From 9 January 2026, France increased biometric border checks for non-EU travellers under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES).

Airports were required to register at least 35% of eligible passengers, up from the initial 10% during the first rollout phase. The system replaced manual passport stamping with digital records of entries and exits using fingerprints and facial scans.

Non-EU travellers with Schengen visas or residency permits were exempt from EES registration. After registration, passengers no longer needed passport stamps for future short-stay visits to the EU.

Operational Challenges Across Europe

Airports faced long queues, faulty kiosks, software issues, and staffing shortages, slowing passenger processing significantly. In France, Charles de Gaulle Airport experienced the longest delays, while regional airports reported problems with Parafe passport gates.

Lisbon Airport temporarily returned to manual passport stamping after biometric checks caused seven-hour delays. Spanish airports, including Malaga and Alicante, reported multi-hour queues, affecting thousands of travellers.

The Port of Dover delayed EES checks for car passengers until early 2026.

Industry Concerns

ACI Europe warned border processing times increased by up to 70%, creating disruption across Paris airports. Airport operators said the system was “struggling” and could worsen during the busy summer travel season.

Authorities could temporarily suspend EES checks to reduce congestion, but higher passenger registration made pauses harder to implement.

Looking Ahead: ETIAS

After EES, the EU will launch ETIAS, a pre-travel authorisation for visa-free travellers, expected in late 2026. ETIAS will require digital approval linked to passports and remain valid for three years or until passport expiry.