New Biometric Entry/Exit System causes operational delays for UAE travelers at European airports

European airports faced operational delays on Friday as the new biometric Entry/Exit System began affecting UAE travelers moving through Schengen border controls, with some passengers reporting longer processing times and queues. The disruption has drawn fresh attention to the schengen 90 180 rule, which remains central to how non-EU travelers track short-stay time limits in Europe.

The biometric system requires travelers from outside the Schengen area to submit fingerprint and facial data at the border, a change that can slow down entry procedures during initial rollout. For UAE travelers, the added checks have created bottlenecks at some airports as staff and systems adapt to the new process, particularly during busy departure and arrival windows.

Travel advisers say passengers should allow extra time at airport immigration and keep close track of their days in the Schengen zone to avoid overstaying under the schengen 90 180 rule. While the system is designed to improve border security and automate future checks, early implementation appears to be creating short-term operational strain at several European hubs.