Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES)
Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place. If you travel on a non-EU passport (including UK), your first entry into the Schengen Area includes a quick photo and fingerprints. Future trips are faster once you’re registered. During the current roll-out, allow a little extra time at passport control.
How this affects your journey with Mountain Drop-offs
- Arrivals may take slightly longer. First-time EES registration takes a couple of minutes. Queues can be longer at busy times.
- Meeting your driver at Geneva Airport. After passport control, head to the Swiss Arrivals Hall. Our desk is beside the Tekoe Tea Shop, opposite the UBS cashpoints.
- Shared transfers. If your flight is delayed within core hours, we’ll move you to the next available minibus at no extra cost.
- Private transfers. Your driver includes 60 minutes’ free waiting time from actual landing.
- Pickup time confirmation. You’ll receive an SMS the evening before travel with your exact pickup time and your driver’s number.
At Geneva Airport: what to expect
- EES on arrival. You’ll have your passport scanned and, if it’s your first EES visit, a quick facial photo and fingerprints (age 12+). Under-12s do not give fingerprints.
- Self-service kiosks. Some airports use kiosks to pre-collect your details. Staff are on hand to help.
- Then meet us. Once through passport control, follow signs to the Swiss Arrivals Hall and our desk.
More information
What is the Entry/Exit System?
EES replaces passport stamping at Schengen borders with a digital record. It logs your identity, biometrics, and each entry/exit. It also calculates your permitted stay (normally 90 days in any 180-day period).
Who it applies to
- Included: Most non-EU/EEA/Swiss visitors entering for a short stay (e.g. UK, US, Canada, Australia).
- Exempt: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and travellers with an EU/Schengen residence permit or long-stay visa.
- Children: Under-12s have a photo taken but no fingerprints.
How your data is handled
Your details are stored securely in the EU’s central system and automatically deleted after the legal retention period. Only authorised border authorities can access them. You can request access or corrections through national authorities.
What happens at the border
- Scan passport at a staffed booth or kiosk.
- Biometrics collected if it’s your first EES visit.
- Future trips are faster: only a quick check to match your stored record.
- On departure, your exit is logged digitally instead of stamped.
During the roll-out
Some checkpoints may still stamp passports until all EES equipment is active. Queues may vary by airport and time of day but ease once you are registered.
ETIAS (coming soon)
ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, expected to launch in 2026. It is not required yet.
Planning tips
- Allow extra time at passport control on your first EES trip.
- Keep your phone on for our SMS with your pickup time the night before.
- On tight schedules? Consider a Private transfer for the quickest exit from the airport.
- Know where to meet us: Swiss Arrivals Hall, beside the Tekoe Tea Shop.
If you have any questions about travelling under EES, our team is happy to help.
