Nine Schengen countries are getting more flexibility for the EES
Nine Schengen countries could continue to apply it more flexibly Entry/Exit System (EES) at certain border crossings, following a summer marked by problems with equipment, capacity and long passenger queues.
According to British media reports, these are France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland. The European Commission, however, has not published a formal decision or an official list of these countries.
Brussels talks about adaptation, not a new postponement of the EES
In early September, the Commission confirmed that it is in contact with a small number of countries where additional operational adjustments are needed at certain border crossing points. Additional assistance has also been offered to these countries, including possible support from Frontex, with the expectation that the remaining issues will be resolved by the end of 2026.
That does not mean the EES has been withdrawn or suspended. The system is officially fully operational as of 10 April 2026, following a phased introduction that began on 12 October 2025. The EES electronically records the entries and exits of third-country nationals coming for a short stay and includes biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints.
Airlines are asking for more time
The problem is primarily operational. ACI Europe, A4E and IATA have been warning for months about a lack of border staff, problems with automated systems and significantly longer queues. During the summer, ACI Europe stated that at certain locations waiting times reached up to five hours.
Following the expiry of the previous temporary relaxation of EES procedures on 6 September, Ryanair has requested that the flexibility be extended until at least April 2027.
Croatia is not among the nine countries listed so far
Croatia and Slovenia They are not on the list of nine countries cited by the media. That, however, does not mean that the passenger experience will be the same at all external Schengen borders.
Thus, the EES is entering a phase where a single European system formally exists, but its operational implementation can still vary significantly from airport to airport. For the industry, therefore, monitoring specific entry points and border processing times has become an important part of travel planning.
