EES System in Airports 2025
New Rules and Passenger Rights

What is the EES system and how does its technology work?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system developed by the European Union to digitally record the entry and exit data of third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area.

The system replaces the old method of manually stamping passports with fast biometric checks. Travellers will be required to provide fingerprints and facial images, which will be stored in a centralised database.

Who is affected by the EES system?

The EES mainly concerns:
• Third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) entering the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period)
• Travellers from non-EU countries transiting through European airports
• All points of entry: airports, seaports, and land border crossings

Not affected:
• European Union citizens
• Holders of long-term residence permits
• Diplomatic staff

How biometric checks work

When you arrive at a European airport, you will need to:
• Present your passport at the border control
• Provide your fingerprints (four fingers from each hand)
• Have a facial image taken for facial recognition
• Answer a few questions about the purpose of your trip

These data will be stored for a period of three years and will be used to verify your identity during future entries and exits from the Schengen Area.

Benefits and challenges of the new system

The promised benefits

According to the Council of the European Union, the EES should bring several advantages:
• Reduced waiting times: automated biometric checks should be faster than manual passport stamping
• Increased security: the system helps identify travellers who exceed the permitted stay
• Improved experience: after the first registration, subsequent checks will be faster
• Increased accuracy: eliminates human errors in data recording

Traveller concerns

Despite the promises, many airport-industry experts have raised concerns:
• Initial waiting times: during the rollout phase, queues may be longer than usual
• Technical issues: biometric system malfunctions could cause significant delays
• Staff training: airport staff must be properly trained to operate the new system
• Privacy: some organisations have raised concerns about the storage of biometric data

Impact on flights and possible delays

The introduction of the EES may cause some disruptions, especially in the first months of implementation. Italian airports such as Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Venice, and Naples have already started pilot tests to prepare for the official launch.

However, it is realistically possible that travellers will face:
• Longer queues at border control
• Departure delays for passengers who must complete biometric registration
• Missed connections for those with tight layovers
• Stress and confusion among travellers unfamiliar with the new system

How can I get my compensation?

Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:

Your Rights as a Passenger: When You Are Entitled to Compensation

Even with the introduction of the EES system, your rights as a passenger remain protected under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which clearly defines when you are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Delays Caused by EES Checks.

If you miss your flight due to long queues at the EES biometric controls, the situation can be complex.

You are entitled to compensation if:
• You arrive at the airport with sufficient advance time (at least 2–3 hours for international flights)
• The delay at the controls is due to technical or organisational issues at the airport
• The airline does not offer you an alternative flight within a reasonable time

Missed Connections: Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Yes, you are entitled to compensation even if you miss a connecting flight due to EES checks, as long as certain conditions are met:

• The flights are booked under a single ticket: if you booked both flights (the incoming flight and the connection) under the same reservation, the airline is responsible for the entire journey
• The total delay exceeds 3 hours: compensation is owed if you reach your final destination more than 3 hours later than originally scheduled
• You arrived on time for the first flight: you must have respected the check-in and boarding times for the initial flight
• The first flight departs from the EU or the airline is European: Regulation EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU airports or operated by EU carriers

Practical Example: You booked a flight from New York to Rome with a connection in Paris to Naples. In Paris, due to long queues at the EES controls, you miss your connecting flight to Naples. The airline rebooks you on a later flight, but you arrive in Naples 4 hours late compared to the original arrival time.

In this case, you are entitled to:
• €250 compensation (distance Rome–Naples below 1,500 km)
• Assistance during the wait (meals, drinks, hotel if necessary)
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred

Important: The airline is obliged to rebook the passenger on the next available flight to the final destination. If the accumulated delay exceeds 3 hours upon arrival, the right to compensation applies, regardless of whether the first flight departed on time.

Mandatory Assistance During Delays

Regardless of compensation, the airline is always required to provide assistance in case of significant delays, including:

• Meals and drinks proportional to the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Two phone calls or emails to inform family or colleagues

This assistance is required for delays of:
• 2 hours or more for flights up to 1,500 km
• 3 hours or more for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and international flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
• 4 hours or more for all other flights

How to Prepare for the New EES System. Practical Tips for Travellers

To avoid issues caused by the new EES system, follow these tips:
• Arrive earlier at the airport: plan at least 3–4 hours before international flights, especially in the first months of implementation
• Check passport validity: ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
• Prepare for biometric registration: if this is your first time, the process may take 5–10 minutes
• Download the EES app (if available): some airports may allow pre-registration via mobile app
• Keep documentation handy: always carry booking confirmations, travel documents and receipts
• Check real-time waiting times: many airports provide real-time updates on queue lengths
• Beware of tight connections: allow for longer transit times, especially early after the EES rollout

What to Do in Case of Delays or Missed Flights

If you experience problems due to the new EES controls:
• Document everything: take photos of queues, keep boarding passes, and request written confirmation of delays
• Contact the airline immediately: inform staff of your situation, especially if you risk missing a connection
• Request assistance: ask for meals, drinks or accommodation if necessary
• Keep all receipts: if you incur extra expenses (taxis, hotels, meals), keep all receipts for reimbursement
• File a formal complaint: submit a written complaint to the airline within 7 days of the disruption
• Rely on ReFly: if the airline refuses compensation, contact specialised services like ReFly to enforce your rights

Your Rights as a Passenger: When You Are Entitled to Compensation

Even with the introduction of the EES system, your rights as a passenger remain protected under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which clearly defines when you are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Delays Caused by EES Checks

If you miss your flight due to long queues at the EES biometric controls, the situation can be complex.

You are entitled to compensation if:
• You arrive at the airport with sufficient advance time (at least 2–3 hours for international flights)
• The delay at the controls is due to technical or organisational issues at the airport
• The airline does not offer you an alternative flight within a reasonable time

Missed Connections: Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Yes, you are entitled to compensation even if you miss a connecting flight due to EES controls, as long as certain conditions are met:

• The flights are booked under a single ticket: if both flights (the incoming flight and the connection) were booked under the same reservation, the airline is responsible for the entire journey
• The total delay exceeds 3 hours: compensation is owed if you reach your final destination more than 3 hours later than originally scheduled
• You arrived on time for the first flight: you must have respected the check-in and boarding times for the initial flight
• The first flight departs from the EU or the airline is European: Regulation EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU airports or operated by EU carriers

Practical Example: You booked a flight from New York to Rome with a connection in Paris to Naples. In Paris, due to long queues at the EES controls, you miss your connecting flight to Naples. The airline rebooks you on a later flight, but you arrive in Naples 4 hours after the original arrival time.

In this case, you are entitled to:
• €250 compensation (distance Rome–Naples below 1,500 km)
• Assistance during the wait (meals, drinks, hotel if necessary)
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred

Important: The airline is obliged to rebook the passenger on the next available flight to the final destination. If the accumulated delay exceeds 3 hours upon arrival, the right to compensation applies, regardless of whether the first flight departed on time.

Mandatory Assistance During Delays

Regardless of compensation, the airline is always required to provide assistance in case of significant delays, including:

• Meals and drinks proportional to the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Two phone calls or emails to inform family or colleagues

This assistance is required for delays of:
• 2 hours or more for flights up to 1,500 km
• 3 hours or more for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and international flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
• 4 hours or more for all other flights

How to Prepare for the New EES System. Practical Tips for Travellers

To avoid issues caused by the new EES system, follow these tips:
• Arrive earlier at the airport: plan at least 3–4 hours before international flights, especially in the first months of implementation
• Check passport validity: ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
• Prepare for biometric registration: if this is your first time, the process may take 5–10 minutes
• Download the EES app (if available): some airports may allow pre-registration via mobile app
• Keep documentation handy: always carry booking confirmations, travel documents and receipts
• Check real-time waiting times: many airports provide real-time updates on queue lengths
• Beware of tight connections: allow for longer transit times, especially early after the EES rollout

What to Do in Case of Delays or Missed Flights

If you experience problems due to the new EES controls:
• Document everything: take photos of queues, keep boarding passes, and request written confirmation of delays
• Contact the airline immediately: inform staff of your situation, especially if you risk missing a connection
• Request assistance: ask for meals, drinks or accommodation if necessary
• Keep all receipts: if you incur extra expenses (taxis, hotels, meals), keep all receipts for reimbursement
• File a formal complaint: submit a written complaint to the airline within 7 days of the disruption
• Rely on ReFly: if the airline refuses compensation, contact specialised services like ReFly to enforce your rights

ReFly: Your Ally for Securing Compensation

Obtaining compensation from airlines can be complicated and frustrating. Many carriers try to reject legitimate claims or offer compensation amounts lower than what you are legally entitled to.

ReFly is the specialised service that helps you to:

• Check for free whether you are entitled to compensation
• Handle the entire process with no stress for you
• Negotiate with airlines on your behalf
• Obtain the maximum compensation allowed by law
• Pay nothing if we don’t win your case (we work on a no win, no fee basis)

How ReFly’s Service Works

The process is extremely simple:

• Online check: enter your flight details on the ReFly website
• Free assessment: receive an immediate evaluation of your case
• Let us handle it: if you are entitled to compensation, ReFly takes care of everything
• Receive your payout: once the compensation is obtained, you receive your money