Nine European countries continue eased EES biometrics after Sept 6

Nine European states have kept a relaxed approach to collecting biometric checks within the Entry/Exit System (EES) even after the transitional deadline for full implementation passed on 6 September.

The countries that have asked for extra time to roll out fingerprint and facial-image capture at all border crossing points are France, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. In practice the EES is already in use and third‑country travellers are being registered when they enter and leave the Schengen area, but some locations in these countries have not yet started taking fingerprints and a facial photograph of every traveller.

Limited number of problem sites, pressure at busy airports

Authorities say infrastructure constraints and concerns about creating long queues at the busiest airports are the main reasons for the delay. Out of roughly 1,500 border points, difficulties remain at about 12 locations. Large hubs such as Frankfurt and Schiphol are already taking biometric data, while a number of smaller airports are still adapting their systems.

Officials in Brussels note that, strictly speaking, the states that have not implemented all biometric checks are not fully meeting the rules after 6 September, though the European Union has so far refrained from initiating formal proceedings against them.

The EES applies to nationals of countries outside the EU who travel for short stays in the Schengen area. The system records passport information, the traveller's facial image, fingerprints and the times of entry and exit. The European Commission regards the system as fully operational since 10 April 2026.

This development also affects citizens of North Macedonia who travel to the Schengen area: biometric registration procedures may still vary depending on the country and the specific border crossing.

Photo: press material from the event