With the EU’s new entry and exit system set to launch this weekend, on October 12th, business travel experts have outlined what firms need to know to stay compliant.
The new EES and ETIAS systems, just days away, will replace the manual passport stamping process with a fully digital system that registers biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, to track entries, exits, and stays in real time.
Unlike the previous system, which relied on human checks, this shift aims to streamline border management, reduce wait times, and improve security by combating identity fraud and overstays.
To help businesses adjust their corporate travel policies, the travel experts at Booking.com for Business have outlined how each system works and offered tips on complying:
The new EES system (coming into effect on October 12th) will make border control more efficient with biometric data collection as well as reviewing names, travel documents, entry and exit dates, allowing for faster processing of non-EU travellers at entry and exit points.
The ETIAS travel authorisation system (set to come into force in Q4 2026) will complement the EES by requiring visa-exempt travellers to apply for pre-authorisation before entering the Schengen Area, further enhancing border security and travel planning.
Tips on complying:
Failing to comply with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) can result in fines, entry bans, delays, missed business opportunities, and data security risks, potentially disrupting future travel and damaging business operations.
Here are some key steps to take to avoid this:
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Identify policy enforcers: Make it clear in your travel management policy who will be responsible for verifying that travellers are within their permitted 90-day limits, and how this will be tracked.
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Inform employees of upcoming changes: Employees should also be informed that their biometric data will be collected, and what this entails.
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Prepare for potential delays: Fine-tune travel booking processes to accommodate border delays during the EES implementation phases.
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Update your risk assessment: It’s worth evaluating travel delays and data security as part of a full risk assessment.
Advanced data collection at the border means businesses need to be proactive and organized when it comes to corporate travel planning. This starts with updating travel policies to reflect the new requirements, then communicating these changes to all stakeholders.