November 6, 2026 (Friday)
Travelers to Europe must brace themselves for various complications amid the winter season. Notably, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is receiving criticism from shipping groups. Meanwhile, some Schengen nations plan to maintain internal border checks until 2027. In addition, bomb threats across the region have also impacted flights this week.
At first glance, these developments share no common trigger. But overall, these indicate why travelers experience different delays and disruptions across the continent. The EES documents eligible non-EU visitors entering and exiting Schengen, while temporary controls are observed at specific internal borders.
EES Rollout Troubles Shipping Operators
In a nutshell, the EES replaces passport stamps with digital records of entry and exit. It also collects biometric data from eligible non-EU nationals making short stays. The EU reported the system fully operational at Schengen external borders from 10 April 2026.
Shipping groups say the system’s implementation continues to create practical problems at ports. European Shipowners, Cruise Lines International Association and Interferry reported malfunctioning self-service kiosks, staffing shortages and inconsistent procedures between member states.
Their joint paper says that about 150 vehicles can take 90 minutes to clear border controls. It also warns that biometric checks extended to vehicle traffic could add up to four hours. Consequently, operators have adjusted cruise itineraries, while delays have led to cancelled bookings, missed connections and passengers changing routes.
The groups also raised concerns about non-EU seafarers. They say some ports record crew departures inconsistently, which can make workers appear to have overstayed their permitted Schengen visits. One example involved a crew change through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. A seafarer’s record incorrectly suggested he had remained in France since May.
Shipping groups want the European Commission to establish a consistent process for seafarers and allow operational flexibility during congestion. Their concerns focus on the impact of EES procedures at maritime borders, not temporary checks between Schengen countries.
Checks May Vary By Destination
The system’s rollout may also feel different to winter air travelers. A travel-industry report said nine countries were not enforcing biometric checks in full: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland.
The report attributed the approach to operational concerns and efforts to maintain border flow. Travelers arriving elsewhere, including Spain, should expect full EES checks, it said. However, procedures and queue times can change by location and day.
In summary, the EES applies to eligible non-EU nationals visiting for short stays. On their first trip under the system, travelers provide fingerprints and a facial image, alongside passport details. Later crossings should rely on checking the stored record, although a traveler may still face delays at a busy border.
The system can affect multi-country itineraries in less obvious ways. A traveler usually completes EES registration at the first external Schengen border. Later journeys within Schengen may still involve separate internal border controls, depending on the countries and routes involved.
Temporary Internal Controls Continue
Temporary checks at internal borders form a separate measure. Schengen countries can reintroduce them in response to serious security or public-order concerns, despite the area’s general system of passport-free internal travel.
As of 4 November, eight countries had such controls in place: Austria, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Norway, Poland, France and Sweden. In particular, seven had informed the European Commission that they planned to continue checks in 2027.
The scope varies. Germany checks its land borders, Italy checks its border with Slovenia, and Norway focuses on ports serving ferries to other Schengen countries. Denmark, Norway and Sweden announced new six-month periods from 12 November 2026 to 11 May 2027.
Travelers crossing these borders may face document checks and delays, even after completing any EES registration required at an external border. In particular, the countries cite different reasons for continuing controls, including terrorism, organised crime and sabotage risks. The European Commission’s published notifications provide the official record of their current scope and duration. Meanwhile, flight threats add a separate disruption
Notably, a wave of bomb threats created another source of travel disruption this week. At least 34 flights across Europe were affected, with some aircraft diverted or making emergency landings.
For instance, two Ryanair flights from Madrid and Copenhagen had to make emergency landings at Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Meanwhile, another flying from London to Sofia landed in Plovdiv instead.
“Upon landing, the necessary inspections were carried out in accordance with the applicable procedures and no issues were identified,” said a Bulgarian government official. “Airport operations at both Sofia airport and Plovdiv airport have returned to normal.”
All landed safely, and searches found nothing suspicious.
The affected flights involved routes across numerous countries, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and Poland. Investigators said they had not found evidence linking the threats to a hostile group or state actor. The EU transport commissioner said it remained too early to know whether the incidents were connected.
The threats have not been linked to EES or temporary border controls. They are a separate security investigation, though the resulting diversions and checks add uncertainty for passengers already navigating a complicated travel period.
Plan For The Route, Not Just The Region
For winter journeys, travelers should check the current requirements for each country and crossing. They should allow extra time at busy airports, stations and ports, especially when itineraries involve several countries or first-time EES registration.
Keeping boarding passes, tickets and accommodation records may also help travelers clarify their movements if officials question their travel history. For operators, shipping groups say consistent procedures and reliable equipment remain essential to keeping passengers, crews and vehicles moving.
Europe’s travel rules remain country-specific. Checking the route before departure can help passengers prepare for the controls they may encounter, even when it cannot prevent delays.
Photo by Carnet de Voyage d’Alex on Unsplash
