- The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025 and is being rolled out gradually at external borders. Full operation is expected by 10 April 2026.
- The EES is intended to replace manual passport stamping with a digital record of your entry and exit.
- On your first trip after launch, border control will register your passport plus biometrics (a facial image and, in most cases, fingerprints). Later trips are meant to be quicker as your record will already exist.
- The EES applies to most non-EU/Schengen short-stay travellers (e.g. UK passport-holders visiting for up to 90 days in any 180 days). EU/Schengen citizens and holders of EU residence permits / long-stay visas are not registered in the EES.
Official guidance: What is the EES?
What happens at the border?
- Scan your passport at an EES kiosk or with a border officer.
- Biometrics collected: Facial photo and, where applicable, fingerprints (some travellers are exempt, for example those under age 12).
- Verification: The officer checks your EES record and may ask routine questions (e.g. return ticket, accommodation, funds, insurance).
Tips for Ski Miquel guests:
- Allow extra time at the arrival passport control for your first trip post-launch.
- Don't worry, the coach will wait for everyone and the Ski Miquel rep be waiting for you on the other side.
- Keep key documents handy:
- Your return flight details.
- Your Ski Miquel chalet-hotel confirmation.
- Travel insurance documents.
- Families: Children under age 12 are typically not fingerprinted, although a photo may still be taken.
- We may leave a bit earlier than usual for our return journey, depending on how the departure airport is coping with the new system.
Where EES is live now? (snapshot)
EES is being introduced across Schengen external borders in phases. Many airports are already live, often with gradual functionality increases during the transition period.
- Geneva (GVA) – Live from 12 October 2025 with phased rollout.
- Basel (BSL/MLH/EAP) – Live from 12 Octover 2025; Zurich follows during November.
- Madrid (MAD), Lisbon (LIS), Vienna (VIE) and others – National authorities confirm progressive activation from 12 October 2025.
Note: Some border points may continue stamping passports during the 6-month transition alongside EES checks.
Key Ski Miquel airports - Status & target dates:
| Airport | Status / Go-live | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GVA) | Live from 12 Oct 2025 | Switzerland began at Geneva and Basel first; Zurich rolls out in November. |
| Salzburg (SZG) | Starts 12 Nov 2025 | Airport confirms EES start date and dedicated facilities. |
| Chambéry (CMF) | Progressive rollout (no CMF-specific date published yet) | France introducing EES in phases; full operation due by 10 April 2026. |
| Toulouse (TLS) | Progressive rollout (no TLS-specific date published yet) | France introducing EES in phases; full operation due by 10 April 2026. |
| Turin (TRN) | Progressive from Oct 2025 | Turin confirms gradual implementation; fully operational by 10 April 2026. |
Q&A
Does EES replace ETIAS?
No, ETIAS (the online travel authorisation) is separate and is expected to be implemented in 2026. You won’t need ETIAS until it has officially been launched.
What if I change my passport or haven't travelled for a few years?
You will be treated like a first-time EES user and will be asked to provide biometrics again.
Useful links:
If you have any questions about your specific trip, please contact us and we’ll advise on airport procedures for your resort and travel dates.