EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EU's biometric system registering non-EU travellers' entries and exits, fully operational since April 2026. It replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks at the EU's external borders, recording when a traveller enters and leaves. Business travellers to the EU need to be aware of this additional processing step, particularly on their first crossing.

EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays — both those who need a visa and those who are visa-exempt. On the first entry, travellers are registered with their passport data, fingerprints and a facial image; on later crossings, their identity is verified biometrically. The system automatically records the date and place of each entry and exit and calculates the remaining days under the 90/180-day rule, making it much easier to detect overstays. It operates at the external borders of 29 European countries.

For business travellers, EES has practical consequences. The first registration may take longer, so extra time should be allowed at the border, particularly during busy periods. Frequent travellers to Europe need to be especially careful with the 90/180-day limit, since the system calculates stays precisely. Some countries offer self-service kiosks and pre-registration options, such as the EU's Travel to Europe mobile app, to speed up the process. EES is also a prerequisite for ETIAS, which will build on its database.

Tumodo helps travellers plan trips to Europe with enough time and flexibility. Flight options can be compared by departure and arrival times and total travel time, so travellers can choose connections that allow for longer border checks. Airport services such as Fast Track and Meet & Assist can be booked online where available, and Tumodo's 24/7 support team is ready to help if a missed connection or delay requires changes to the trip.