The European Union (EU) is in the process of implementing a scheme called the EES which will affect how non-EU passport holders travel to most EU countries. The EES is scheduled to start on the 10th November 2024 (although there are reports it could be delayed again!) When it comes into effect, it will impact any non-EU citizens travelling to any airport which Ben’s Bus operates from during the 2024 / 2025 ski season. Passengers should prepare for potentially longer queues at Passport Control.
WHAT IS THE EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a system for digitally registering travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries when they first cross an EU external border. It is being introduced to allow stricter controls of movement into the Schengen area.
As reported in this BBC article and quoting EU Commissioner Johansson, the rules will mean “we will know if people stay too long” and “will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports“.
HOW WILL THE EES AFFECT ME?
If you hold an EU passport, you won’t be affected. If not, the first time you enter the EU, you will be asked to register your biometric data (such as fingerprints and / or a photo). This will be done in special EES kiosks when you arrive.
Authorities are anticipating it will take an extra 1 minute to process each passenger. Although most airports have invested in extra staff and technology, you will probably experience longer queue times when you arrive at your airport. You should consider this when selecting a bus time on our website.
Your data will be held for 3 years. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports, so it should be a quicker, smoother process the next time you enter the EU.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR THIS?
You do not need to apply for the EES and there is not much you can do in advance. As reported in this Europe Street News article, Frontex, the EU border agency, may develop a mobile app where travellers could pre-register some of their details. However, this would not replace the need to register biometric data at the physical border.
As mentioned above, you should consider the potential for longer queues at Passport Control. You should select a later Ben’s Bus if you think, once you enter your flight arrival time, our first bus time listed is too tight for you. Most of our routes have many buses operating each day. For instance, our Geneva Airport to Val Thorens service has up to 11 services a day, so you wouldn’t have to wait long until the next bus.
It is obviously impossible for us to say how long you should allow, as this would depend on many factors. Such factors could include where you are sitting on the plane, how many people are in your group, how many bags you have to pick up, how busy the airport is and whether you’ve already travelled to the EU and registered your biometric data.
You can read about how we manage late-arriving customers here.
We recommend upgrading to Ben’s Bus Plus in case you need to edit your booking. For instance you may decide, after booking, that you actually want to take a later bus. You get free changes with Ben’s Bus Plus.
FURTHER INFORMATION
We would also advise checking your own governments’ website for precise information and advice. For the UK, this can be found here.
Another scheme the EU is planning on implementing in the first half of 2025 is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This will take the form of a paid-for travel authorisation, which will be required for citizens of non-EU countries that do not need a visa to enter the EU.
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