Europe's new Entry Exit System, which collects fingerprints and facial images from non-EU visitors entering the Schengen region, has generated substantial delays at airport borders since its October rollout. At Rome's Fiumicino Airport, processing times for British passengers have increased from seven to twenty minutes, whilst travellers across multiple airports report actual waits exceeding one to two hours. The system requires registration through automated kiosks or with border officers upon arrival, with verification occurring again during departure.

The European Commission maintains that disruption remains limited at most airports, yet airport operators and airlines describe serious implementation challenges. Rome's aviation chief stated that recent technical integration improvements have helped, but acknowledged current service remains below pre-system standards and requires urgent attention. Airlines have cautioned summer travellers about extended delays, whilst border officials attribute queuing problems to equipment failures and processing bottlenecks.