As the new European Union (EU) Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on April 10, France’s international entry points are under pressure.

VisaHQ reported that data analyzed by queue-monitoring firm Qsensor shows that the average wait times at passport control in Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly have risen by roughly 25% since the new system but these average figures hide much longer waits when multiple long-haul flights land within the same time window. As each passenger completes a photo and fingerprint scan, non-EU travelers have reported lines stretching to 1½–2 hours.

VisaHQ recommend that corporate mobility managers advise employees download the EU’s “Travel to Europe” app and pre-register their passport details; schedule meetings in Paris no earlier than noon on arrival days; and avoid tight intra-EU connections until the system comes under control.