The new European Union entry/exit system launched on October 12th, and I quickly realized the reports of smooth rollouts were misleading. With five Schengen area entries and exits planned before the end of 2025, I’d been monitoring the situation closely, but initial reports suggested only minor disruptions.
My own experience departing Brussels for Toronto on October 20th shattered that illusion. Despite checking airport websites and news sources for updates – finding none – I nearly missed my transatlantic flight due to an unexpectedly massive queue at exit immigration. The seemingly effortless travel I’d anticipated quickly morphed into a stressful race against the clock.
A cancelled train compounded the problem, forcing me to arrive at the airport with just 80 minutes before departure. What I thought would be ample time quickly evaporated as I joined a line that barely moved. Only EU passport holders were directed to self-service kiosks, leaving non-EU travelers – including myself – at the mercy of just two overwhelmed immigration agents.
Panic began to set in as I calculated the dwindling minutes. Passengers worried about missing flights were told airlines *might* hold planes, a promise that felt hollow. A kind traveler allowed me to move ahead in line, and finally, I reached the agent. Surprisingly, there was no questioning, no biometric data collection, just a slow computer process and a stamped passport.
I sprinted to my gate, only to discover I’d been flagged as a late check-in, despite having checked in well in advance. A sympathetic gate agent managed to load my bag, but I was among the last passengers to board. The flight attendant later revealed 25 passengers had missed their connection, including four in premium economy.
The return journey through Brussels offered a similar, though slightly less frantic, experience. Arrival immigration featured a long queue for non-EU passport holders, with only two kiosks available. Even arriving near the front of the line, it took a full 40 minutes to clear immigration, and the queue continued to swell with each arriving flight.
Again, the process was strangely passive. Agents simply stamped passports without thorough checks or data collection. It felt as though the system was functioning, but at a glacial pace. This delay nearly caused me to miss a connecting train to Rotterdam, forcing me to purchase a more expensive, flexible ticket.
The rollout of this system is still in progress, with full integration not expected until April 10th. This means experiences will vary wildly. You might encounter the old system, the full biometric process, or something in between. The unpredictability demands a new approach to travel planning.
My advice? Allow *significant* extra time when arriving or departing from any of the 29 participating countries. Consider a lounge visit while you wait. Check the specific airport’s website and social media for updates. If possible, download the “Travel to Europe” app for Sweden, as it may expedite the process.
For those with tight connections, a minimum of four hours is now essential. If you can postpone your trip, waiting until the system is fully operational might be wise. While many countries already collect biometric data, the EU’s implementation is currently causing significant delays.
Ultimately, my near-miss in Brussels served as a stark warning. Underestimating the new entry/exit system could be a costly mistake. Be prepared for longer-than-expected wait times, and prioritize flexibility in your travel plans. A seat near the front of the plane can also give you a crucial advantage in reaching immigration first.
The EU’s ambition to streamline border control is admirable, but the current reality is a frustrating and potentially disruptive experience for travelers. Patience, preparation, and a generous buffer of time are now essential for navigating Europe’s borders.
