As of April 10, 2026, the landscape of European travel has undergone its most significant digital transformation in decades. The European Union has officially launched the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system that changes how non-EU nationals enter and leave the Schengen Area.
What is the EES?
The EES replaces the traditional manual stamping of passports with an automated electronic record. It applies to all non-EU nationals, including those who require a short-stay visa and those from visa-exempt countries (such as the UK, US, and Canada) traveling for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Key Changes for Travellers:
→ Biometric Data
Upon their first entry after the rollout, travellers must provide biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, at the border.
→ Automated Tracking
The system will automatically calculate the duration of stays and flag overstayers, eliminating the ambiguity of physical ink stamps.
→ Validity
Biometric data will remain valid in the system for three years, meaning frequent travellers will not need to repeat the full registration process on every trip.
Impact on Corporate Travel and Relocation
For our clients and assignees, this shift aims to enhance security and streamline border crossings in the long term. However, during this initial rollout phase, travellers should expect:
- Increased Wait Times: Border authorities warn of potential queues as travellers register their biometrics for the first time.
- Strict Compliance: With automated tracking, monitoring the “90/180 day rule” becomes more precise than ever.
Executive Mobility Group is monitoring the rollout across all Schengen entry points to ensure our clients remain compliant and informed.
If you have assignees travelling to Europe this month, we recommend arriving at the airport earlier than usual and ensuring all travel documents are in order.
Looking to expand your team in the Netherlands?
Ensure compliance and streamline yourinternational hiring with EMG.
