Airport screenings in Switzerland initiate with EES checks
Beginning October 12th, a significant change is coming to the passport control process for travelers entering the Schengen Area. The European Union's Entry and Exit System (EES) will replace the current manual passport stamp system at Geneva and Zurich airports in Switzerland.
Third-country nationals, including those from the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, will be required to use the new EES system. This electronic registration means that the entry stamp no longer needs to be manually affixed to the travel document.
Upon arrival, travelers from non-Schengen countries will individually register at self-service kiosks. The registration process is expected to take just one or two minutes. After registration, passengers will go to border control officers to provide their biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial scan.
To ensure a smooth transition, both Geneva and Zurich airports will launch an information campaign in the coming weeks. Smaller airports such as Bern-Belp and Lugano will follow suit at a later date.
EU and Schengen nationals, as well as non-EU residents living in Switzerland and other Schengen area countries, are exempt from the EES system. However, they may still experience extra queues during the transition period.
The EES system is an EU-wide database designed to register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short stays. It will make it possible to identify wanted persons or those without valid identity documents and to automatically detect cases of overstaying.
Travelers are advised to arrive early at the airport to allow for extra time in the passport control process. Assistants will be available to help and advise passengers with this new system.
Travelers from outside the EU or Schengen Area should also find out about entry requirements imposed by the respective airline as well as the country of destination well before departure.
The Swiss authorities have completed initial steps to roll out the EES at Geneva Airport, including legal coordination and operational preparations. For Zurich Airport, planned steps include further technical integration and gradual implementation of EES processes to ensure compliance with EU regulations and smooth passenger flow. Zurich airport will gradually roll out the EES scheme in the autumn.
Passenger data will be stored for three years, exempting travelers from registering again if they enter another Schengen zone country during this time. This new system aims to enhance border control efficiency and security for all travelers entering the Schengen Area.
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