Italy 2026: Airport Queues and EES Waiver – What Expats Must Know

If you're moving to Italy in 2026, you've probably heard about the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) and its potential impact on border queues. While the EES waiver provided temporary relief, its end means that third-country nationals—including Brazilians—will face new biometric checks when entering the Schengen Area. This guide explains what this means for your travel plans and how you can minimize stress at Italian airports.

What Is the EES and Why Does It Matter?

The Entry/Exit System is an automated EU system that registers the entry and exit of non-EU travelers, replacing the old passport stamping. It collects biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) on your first entry, and on subsequent trips, the system uses that data to verify your identity quickly. The waiver allowed some countries to temporarily skip certain checks, but once it ends, full enforcement begins.

For expats, this means longer processing times at border control, especially during peak travel seasons. Italian airports like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa are already busy; the added biometric checks could increase wait times by 20–30 minutes or more.

How to Prepare for Your First EES Registration

Your first EES registration is the most time-consuming step because it involves biometric data collection. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:

• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight, and 4 hours if you're traveling with family or pets.
• Have your passport and residence permit (if you have one) ready, but keep them in a secure place until you reach the kiosk.
• If you have a residence permit or a valid visa, you may be exempt from EES registration—check with the Italian consulate before you travel.
• Consider applying for Italy's trusted traveler program if available for your nationality, which can fast-track you through security and border control.

Strategies to Beat the Queues at Italian Airports

Even after EES is fully implemented, you can reduce your wait time with these practical strategies:

1. Fly at off-peak times: Early morning (before 7 AM) and late evening (after 9 PM) flights tend to have shorter queues.
2. Use e-gates when possible: Many Italian airports have automated e-gates for EU/EEA citizens, but some also accept registered travelers from other countries. Check if you qualify.
3. Choose the right terminal: If you're flying into Rome, Terminal 3 often has more EES kiosks than Terminal 1. Check your airline's arrival terminal in advance.
4. Join airline loyalty programs: Some airlines offer priority lane access as a perk, which can save you time.

What Happens If You Miss a Connection Due to Queues?

If you have a tight layover in Italy, long queues could cause you to miss your next flight. To protect yourself:

• Book itineraries with at least 2 hours between flights when connecting through Italian airports.
• Inform the cabin crew about your tight connection so they can alert ground staff.
• Keep your phone charged and download the airline's app for real-time updates.
• If you miss a connection, head to the airline's transfer desk immediately—they may rebook you on the next available flight.

Special Tips for Brazilian Expats Traveling with Family

Families with children under 12 are usually exempt from biometric checks, but you'll still need to go through the EES kiosk to register the child's passport. Here's how to make it smoother:

• Travel with all required documents: birth certificates, custody papers if applicable, and your own residence permit.
• Explain the process to your kids in advance to reduce anxiety—it's just a quick scan and photo.
• Use family lanes when available; many airports have dedicated lanes for families that move faster.

Staying Informed: Monitoring Wait Times

Before you head to the airport, check live wait times at Italian airports. Most airports have official apps or websites that show current security and border control queues. For example, Rome Fiumicino's app updates wait times every 15 minutes. You can also follow social media accounts of the airport for real-time alerts on delays.

Remember that wait times are typically longer on Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, and during Italian holidays. Plan your travel accordingly.

Perguntas Frequentes

Will I need to register for EES every time I enter Italy?

No, only on your first entry after the system is fully operational. After that, your biometric data is stored for three years, and subsequent entries should be faster, provided the system recognizes you.

Are there any exemptions for Brazilian expats?

If you hold a valid Italian residence permit or a long-stay visa, you are exempt from EES registration. Also, children under 12 and adults over 70 are exempt from fingerprinting, but they still need to pass through the EES kiosk for passport checks.

What if I have a connecting flight in Italy but my final destination is outside the Schengen area?

If you're transiting through Italy to a non-Schengen country, you typically stay in the international transit area and don't go through border control. However, if you need to change terminals or leave the airport, you'll go through EES checks.

Can I apply for EES registration online before my trip?

No, EES registration must be done in person at the border crossing. However, you can pre-fill some information on the EU's official EES website, but it won't speed up the process—only your physical presence is required for biometric capture.