What Global Movers Should Know About the EU’s New Entry/Exit System (EES)
Moving Boxes
Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES)—a digital border control system replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric data collection. The system will be progressively implemented over six months, reaching full deployment by April 2026.
What Is the EES?
The EES automatically registers entries and exits of non-EU nationals for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) by capturing:
Passport information: name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number
Travel movement data: date, time, and location of crossing
Biometric data: facial image and fingerprints on first entry
The data is securely stored for three years, easing future re‑entry and streamlining travel while improving overstay detection.
Why It Matters for Long‑Term Movers & Global Mobility Planning
While the EES applies to short-term stays only, it has key implications:
Tracking the 90/180‑day rule: The system enforces this rule more strictly—overstay fines and denials could impact future visa and residency applications.
First-entry biometric registration: Upon your first crossing into the EES countries, biometric data will be collected. If your passport expires, you’ll need to re-register under the new document.
Potential delays during rollout: Border checkpoints may take longer, especially at major hubs like Dover, Eurostar terminals, and key airports.
Exemptions for long-term residents: Travelers holding valid residency permits or long-stay visas are generally exempt from EES requirements.
How Beyond Borders Advises Clients
Planning Area Advisory Steps
Document Review Confirm biometric passport validity and alignment with travel dates. Renew early if needed.
EES Awareness Stay updated via official EU sources and trusted mobility advisories. Beware of misinformation.
Travel Itinerary Account for potential processing delays during initial border crossings—especially during holiday peaks.
Visa Integration For stays longer than 90 days, clients must apply for appropriate national visas or residence permits.
Employer Compliance We help businesses ensure eligibility of the 90-day rule, and integrate EES awareness into mobility policies.
Considerations for Cross‑Border Businesses
Monitor compliance: Repeated short trips may trigger automated overstay flags—even if visa requirements are technically met.
Map travel frequency: HR should audit frequent traveler profiles to anticipate which employees will be subject to biometric processing.
Update travel policy thresholds: Integrate ETIAS (coming in late 2026) alongside EES rules to mitigate risk exposure.
Key Takeaways:
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) starts October 12, 2025, with full deployment by April 2026 under a phased rollout.
First-time non-EU visitors must provide biometric data; overstays are easier than ever to detect.
Long‑term visa holders and residents are exempt, but short-stay tourists and business travelers must register each entry.
Beyond Borders helps clients integrate EES requirements into long-term relocation plans—ensuring legal compliance, travel readiness, and risk mitigation.
At Beyond Borders, our mission is to guide global movers through complex policy changes like EES and ETIAS—integrating them into smart relocation timelines and mobility strategies.
Curious how this impacts your upcoming move or corporate program? Let’s plan a personalized readiness roadmap together.
