If your fleet operates across Europe, you’ve probably heard about the European Entry/Exit System (EES).
It’s a new regulation that began its progressive rollout on 12th October 2025, requiring certain non-EU nationals to be scanned in and out of the Schengen Area using biometric data. For drivers who regularly move between EU and non-EU countries, understanding EES is no longer optional.
Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and how you can stay compliant.
What is the EES 90/180-day rolling period?
The EES regulation applies to non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. Essentially, it tracks how long an individual spends within Schengen countries over a rolling 180-day period. Drivers must not exceed 90 days in total within that window.
To enforce this, border authorities scan biometric data — usually fingerprints and facial recognition — when entering and leaving the Schengen Area. This information is stored in a central database to ensure compliance. Think of it like a digital “time clock” for cross-border travel. Every entry and exit counts, and it’s up to drivers and fleet managers to know where they stand.
Who does it apply to?
The EES primarily applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays — typically under the 90-day limit. Crucially, non-EU nationals who hold a valid long-stay visa or a residence permit issued by any Schengen country are generally exempt from EES registration, as they are not subject to the 90/180-day rule.
For all other commercial drivers from non-EU countries, this means:
- Long-haul drivers crossing multiple countries on tight schedules
- Drivers completing multiple short trips into Schengen countries
- Fleets that regularly rotate drivers or subcontractors across borders
Even if your drivers are only in the EU occasionally, keeping track of their days inside the Schengen Area is critical. A miscalculation can create delays, fines, or refused entries at the border.
EU EES phased rollout and key considerations
The EES is being rolled out across 29 European countries. This includes all 25 EU Member States that are part of the Schengen area, plus the four non-EU Schengen associated countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
As previously mentioned, rollout began on 12th October 2025 and is expected to be fully operational at all external borders by 10 April 2026. Notably, Ireland and Cyprus are not participating, and the UK has special registration points at Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras (Eurostar) for cross-border travel.
When entering or leaving Schengen, drivers provide biometric data — fingerprints and facial images — stored in a central database to track compliance with the 90/180-day rule. Looking ahead, the EES will integrate with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
This separate system will require visa-exempt non-EU nationals to obtain a travel authorisation before arrival.
The ETIAS application will also involve a mandatory fee, which is currently planned to be €20 for most travellers. This dual system will further enhance border management and ensure smoother travel for compliant drivers.
For fleets, this means planning routes, rotations, and schedules with a clear understanding of which countries participate, which require extra registration points, and how upcoming systems like ETIAS will affect travel and budgeting.
Why it matters – non-compliance with EU EES
Non-compliance with EES can have significant operational and financial consequences:
- Delays at borders: If a driver exceeds the 90-day limit, entry can be refused, affecting schedules and deliveries.
- Financial penalties: Fines can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the country, and can include entry bans or future visa complications.
- Operational disruption: Even a single border incident can ripple across multiple deliveries, impacting drivers and cargo.
- Reputational risk: Frequent border issues may damage relationships with clients or partners.
For fleets operating on tight schedules, even minor border issues can create major disruptions. Understanding EES is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly.
How to comply with EU Entry/Exit System
Compliance is achievable, but it requires careful planning and monitoring. Here are some best practices for fleets operating across the Schengen Area:
1. Track every border crossing
Keep detailed records of each driver’s entry and exit dates. Modern telematics solutions can automatically log crossings and alert you if a driver is approaching the 90-day limit.
2. Plan driver rotations
Rotate personnel to stay within legal limits, preventing overstays without impacting deliveries.
3. Educate your team
Drivers need to understand the 90/180-day rule. Clear guidance ensures they know when to expect scans and how to plan their time in Schengen countries.
4. Use technology to your advantage
Connected fleet technology can make compliance simple and stress-free. Modern telematics solutions can:
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Automatically log cross-border entries and exits
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Track drivers’ total time in Schengen countries in real time
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Alert managers when drivers are approaching the 90-day threshold
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Provide historical data for audits and regulatory checks
5. Stay updated on local requirements
While EES provides a standardised system, implementation can vary slightly between countries. Make sure your compliance processes account for local nuances, especially during the progressive rollout period leading up to April 2026.
Integrating these tools into your operations gives complete visibility, reduces the risk of fines and border delays, and gives drivers the confidence to focus on safe, efficient driving.
Staying ahead
EES isn’t just another regulatory hurdle — it’s designed to improve border security and ensure fair travel. For fleet managers and drivers, staying compliant protects schedules, reduces risk, and keeps operations running smoothly.
With proactive planning, clear driver guidance, and telematics technology providing visibility, fleets can navigate the 90/180-day rolling period confidently.
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Talk to our experts and keep your fleet operations running safely and efficiently.
