Published on November 22nd, 2024
Do you or your employees regularly travel to Europe for short-term assignments? Are project-based business trips to the EU a regular feature in your company? Then the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for short-term trips is relevant to you and your company. This was initially planned for November 2024 and is now expected in 2025.
What is EES?
The EES is an Entry/Exit System for the European Union which automatically registers non-EU nationals crossing the border into and out of any of the 30 EU countries. It applies to those with short-stay (Schengen) visas as well as those who do not require a visa. This includes business travellers from the US and Japan, for example, who can stay for 90 days in a 180-day period.
What are the benefits of EES?
This system provides a modern, traveller-friendly experience. It improves security in the EU as a result of better border checks. The electronic records also mean that the information is always up-to-date, ensuring that people do not overstay. Biometric data will prevent identity fraud. It also makes it easier for you to track how much time you have spent in the EU.
Keep tabs on your international assignments
One of the key benefits of EES for business travellers from outside the EU is that you can use the EES online tool to view your entry status and track your time in the EU. This requires entering information about your travel document and the name of the EU country you are visiting or plan to visit. This provides clarity at all times as to how much time you have already spent and can still spend in the EU.
Project-based business trips
A month in Madrid in March following a fortnight in France in February. Can you still go on a short-term assignment to Germany in June? You will no longer have to laboriously record the dates yourself, the system will track it for you and will always provide accurate information on your status.
Further Assistance
Are you not sure whether EES will be relevant to your business trips? Would you like assistance in accessing your EES data? If you need any help at all, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Expats Guide, we will be happy to help!
