The 4-hour border nightmare: why your European ski trip could start with a massive delay
The European airports facing border chaos as the new entry/exit system rolls out.
Heading to Europe for the ski season? You might want to factor some lengthy airport wait times into your journey.
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The Australian Government is reporting Australians have been waiting up to four hours to get through border control at Geneva airport in Switzerland.
This is being caused by the rollout of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area, as well as the annual peak ski season.
The government's Smartraveller service warns: "You'll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. Be prepared for lengthy delays and crowded arrival halls in Geneva.
"The introduction of EES, together with the annual ski season, is currently causing entry processing delays of up to 4 hours," they said.
But never fear: if you are travelling into Switzerland through Zurich, delays might not be as long. A Switzerland-based leader at tour company, Intrepid, told Explore the larger airport wasn't experiencing such delays.
They said there had been "no significant queues reported at passport control, with non-Schengen arrivals typically waiting around 15 minutes due to fewer international flights arriving simultaneously" at Zurich.
So why is Geneva so bad? The Intrepid spokesperson said Geneva airport's smaller size and limited number of automated control stations may contribute to longer processing times.
Expect delays entering these countries
- Switzerland
Expected delay: Up to 4 hours at Geneva. Smartraveller warns of "lengthy delays and crowded arrival halls" specifically due to EES combined with the ski season.
- France
Expected Delay: General "longer border queues" and "increased checks" at land borders with neighbors (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain).
- Portugal
Expected Delay: "Subject to longer than expected delays," particularly at Lisbon airport for those arriving from non-EU countries.
- Greece
Expected Delay: "Long queues at border points." Travelers are advised to allow "plenty of time for transfers."
- Germany
Expected Delay: "Longer border queues." Note that temporary land border checks are also in place until at least mid-March 2026, increasing wait times.
- Italy
Expected Delay: While Smartraveller hasn’t mentioned EES wait times, they have pointed out "longer wait times" for transport and venue entry for those travelling near the 2026 Winter Olympics venues in February and March and at the border with Slovenia.
- Netherlands
Expected Delay: "Longer border queues" are anticipated as the system is gradually introduced at external borders.
- Belgium
Expected Delay: "Longer border queues." Potential for additional disruption due to internal border controls with France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
What is the EES?
The EES verifies your identity at automated gates using biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
If you haven't entered the Schengen zone since October 2025, you will need to register your biometrics when you cross the border. But once you have registered, you can pass through the automated gates more quickly.
European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders and data collection will progressively be phased in at border crossing points, with full implementation by April 10, 2026.
Read more from Explore:
Once it is fully implemented, it will replace the current system of manually stamping passports.
Smartraveller has warned the new registration process should only take a few minutes but there could be longer queues when it starts.
Pre-travel authorisation coming
The EES paves the way for the much-anticipated European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver program, with a launch date now set for late 2026.
Designed to bolster border security, the system will require Australians to undergo pre-travel screening before entering Schengen countries.
While the rollout has faced several delays, no action is needed from travelers just yet. You can track updates at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias and at smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/european-union-entry-exit-system-coming
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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