EU Grants France Flexibility on Biometric Border Checks Amid 2026 Holiday Rush

EU Responds to EES Implementation Challenges

The European Union has provided France with temporary flexibility concerning biometric border checks, enabling the use of manual passport stamps to mitigate potential congestion at French airports and terminals during the upcoming 2026 holiday rush. This decision addresses operational challenges encountered during the phased introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES, an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals for short stays, commenced its phased rollout on October 12, 2025, with full implementation initially slated for April 10, 2026. It aims to replace traditional passport stamping with digital records, collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images to enhance security, identify overstayers, and combat identity fraud.

Flexibility to Ease Congestion During Peak Travel

However, the transition to the EES has not been without difficulties. Reports indicate significant operational issues across Europe, including long queues, faulty kiosks, software problems, and staffing shortages, which have led to increased border processing times, in some instances by up to 70%. Charles de Gaulle Airport in France has been particularly affected by these delays.

In response, the European Union has introduced additional flexibility, permitting Schengen Area countries, including France, to defer full enforcement of the EES until early September 2026 if necessary. This measure is specifically intended to manage the high volume of travelers expected during the summer peak. Markus Lammert, spokesperson for internal affairs at the European Commission, clarified that this is not a new delay but rather the utilization of existing flexibilities within the EES legislation.

Temporary Manual Stamping and Future Outlook

Under these provisions, member states can partially suspend EES operations for up to 90 days after April 9, 2026, with a potential additional 60-day extension to cover the entire summer travel season. This allows for a temporary return to manual passport stamping, providing border authorities with the necessary tools to manage extended queues and alleviate congestion.

While this flexibility offers a reprieve for the upcoming holiday period, travelers should be aware that the EES remains a key component of the EU's border modernization efforts. Following the full implementation of EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is anticipated to launch in late 2026, further streamlining and securing travel to the Schengen Area.