Nine Schengen Countries Delay Strict New Airport Biometric Checks

Travellers flying through major European airports will face fewer transit delays. Nine Schengen countries delayed full enforcement of new EU biometric border checks.

The countries are Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, and Malta also delayed the new system.

The EU Entry/Exit System requires automated biometric checks. Technical issues at automated kiosks caused passport wait times to double at major airports.

Airports can now temporarily keep relaxed manual passport control procedures. This decision helps major transit hubs avoid severe border congestion.

Many travellers from Denmark fly through hubs like Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam. Flexible procedures help non-EU travellers gauge transit times more accurately.