New European Border Systems – EES and EITAS

Everything you need to know as an Employer about the new European border control systems

What Are EES and ETIAS, and Why Do They Matter?

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Entry/Exit System represents a revolutionary change in European border crossings. This unified EU IT system will gradually replace traditional passport stamping with digital registration starting from October 2025.

The system automatically records biometric data and travel information of third-country nationals each time they cross the external borders of the Schengen area. This makes border control more accurate and efficient while strengthening security measures.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization that will be mandatory from the end of 2026 for citizens of visa-exempt countries. The system is similar to the US ESTA and provides pre-travel security screening before departure.

Main objectives of both systems:

• Significantly strengthen external border protection
• Effectively preventing and managing illegal immigration
• Detecting terrorist and other serious crimes
• Modernizing and accelerating border crossing procedures

Who Do the New Rules Apply To?

EES Scope of Application

The new system applies to all non-EU nationals traveling for short-term stays to European countries. This includes both those who need visas for entry and those who can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

EES Exemptions

Citizens of EU Member States (including Schengen countries, as well as Cyprus and Ireland) do not need to register in EES. Third-country nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by an EU Member State or a long-stay visa are also exempt from EES registration.

ETIAS Target Group

ETIAS primarily affects countries whose citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to the European Union. This includes citizens of the United States, Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Japan, among others.

Hungarian Regulation and Timeline

12 October 2025 marks the beginning of the gradual system implementation in Hungary, along with all other European countries applying EES. However, this does not mean simultaneous operation at all border crossing points. Hungary will introduce EES first at the border crossing points with Ukraine, then with Serbia, and finally at international airports.

Practical Steps for Employers

Employee Preparation and Information

Employers should inform short-term travelers about the changes, especially those entering Hungary for less than 90 days within any 180-day period for work, business travel, workshops, training or similar purposes.It is important to emphasize that border crossing time will initially increase, especially during first travels when individual digital files are created.

Employees need to understand that during first registration, their biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be recorded, while subsequent travels will only verify this data, making the process significantly faster.

Long-term employees do not need to register in EES, as their data are recorded in national systems when their long-stay residence permit is issued.

Changes to Travel Planning

During the initial months of system implementation, corporate travel planning should allow additional time for border crossings.

Travelers must verify their passport validity. Passport issue dates cannot be more than 10 years old, and expiry dates must be at least 3 months after travel completion.

Special attention must be paid to compliance with the 90/180-day rule, as EES automatically tracks time spent in the Schengen area.

Risk Management Considerations in case of overstay

A key objective of EES is the automatic identification of third-country nationals who exceed their permitted stay in the Schengen Area, which can have serious consequences for future travel.

If a third-country national is found to have stayed longer than 90 days, they will be subject to a return procedure. Voluntary departure is preferred within the legal framework.

If someone who has already spent 90 days in the Schengen Area tries to re-enter, entry may be refused at the border. This will be recorded in EES, or their passport may receive an invalidated entry stamp, which can create complications for future travel.

Prepare for the change and, before each trip, check the Member State requirements and travel conditions. If you have any immigration or mobility questions, feel free to contact us — our expert team is ready to support you with our integrated solutions.

This guide is based on the latest official information from EU and Hungarian authorities. Stay updated on changes through official sources as implementation progresses.