Short summary (the essentials) Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 with a phased roll‑out to 10 April 2026. If you’re a non‑EU traveller (e.g. UK, US, Canada), your first entry to the Schengen Area now includes a quick facial photo and fingerprints; future trips are faster because your details are already on file. Passport stamping is being replaced by a digital record. Expect slightly longer queues at passport control during the roll‑out, then quicker processing over time. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
How this affects your journey with Mountain Drop-offs
- Arrivals may take longer at passport control. We recommend allowing some extra time, especially for first‑time EES enrolment and at busy periods. Geneva Airport has EES kiosks and staffed booths in place. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Meeting your driver at Geneva (GVA). After passport control, meet our team at our desk in the Swiss Arrivals Hall (look for Tekoe Tea Shop; opposite the UBS cashpoints). If you’ve come in via the French sector, please cross to the Swiss side to meet your driver. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Shared transfers (Flexi Shared): if a flight delay pushes you past your scheduled slot within core hours, we’ll move you to the next available minibus at no extra cost (“rescue” policy). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Private transfers: we include 60 minutes’ free waiting time from actual landing; beyond that a standard waiting fee applies. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Pickup time confirmation: you’ll receive an SMS the evening before travel with your exact pickup time and your driver’s contact number. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Door‑to‑door, 24/7: as always, we run year‑round, day and night, with meet‑and‑greet at GVA and direct drop‑off at your address (car‑free resort rules aside). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
At Geneva Airport (GVA): what to expect
- EES on arrival: a border officer or self‑service kiosk will scan your passport. First‑time visitors provide a facial photo and fingerprints (four fingers). Under‑12s do not give fingerprints. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Kiosk tips: when asked, remove hats/caps and glasses for the photo; place fingers flat on the scanner. Staff are present to help. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- During roll‑out: some checkpoints may still stamp passports until equipment is fully deployed; queues can be a little longer at peak times. This eases once you’re enrolled and as systems bed in. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Then meet us: exit into the Swiss Arrivals Hall and head to our desk (Swiss side). Our team will guide you to your minibus. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
More information (for those who like the detail)
What is the EES?
The EES is an EU/Schengen border system that replaces manual passport stamping with a secure digital entry/exit record. It automatically calculates your allowed stay (typically 90 days in any 180), helping border officers spot overstays and identity fraud while enabling wider use of e‑gates over time. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Who is affected—and who isn’t?
- Affected: most non‑EU/EEA/Swiss short‑stay visitors (e.g. UK, US, Canada, Australia)—both visa‑exempt and visa‑required. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Not affected: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens; holders of an EU/Schengen long‑stay visa or residence permit (their crossings aren’t logged in EES). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Children: under 12s have a photo taken but no fingerprints. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
What data is taken and how is it stored?
Border control records your identity and travel document details, a facial image, fingerprints (age 12+), and each entry/exit. Data are kept for defined periods (typically 3 years from each record; 3 years + 1 day from last exit for the person file; up to 5 years if an exit is missing) and then deleted unless legally needed longer. You have rights to access/correct your data via national authorities. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Timeline and rollout
EES went live on 12 October 2025 with a 6‑month transition to 10 April 2026. Geneva and Basel began on day one; Zurich followed in November after installations were complete. Early queues can be slightly longer while first‑time enrolments are captured; repeat visits are quicker once you’re in the system. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
ETIAS (what’s next—and what isn’t yet)
ETIAS is a separate pre‑travel authorisation for visa‑exempt visitors, planned by the EU for late 2026. It is not required at the time of writing; beware sites selling “ETIAS visas” before the official launch. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Planning tips (quick checklist)
- Allow extra time at passport control (especially first trip with EES, weekends, and school holidays). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Watch for our SMS the evening before travel with your confirmed pickup time and driver details. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- On tight schedules? Consider a Private transfer (60 minutes’ free waiting) or book Flexi Shared for our “rescue” re‑allocation if you’re delayed within core hours. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Finding us at GVA: head to our desk in the Swiss Arrivals Hall (Tekoe / UBS cashpoints area). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
About this page: We’ve kept the language short, factual and UK‑English to make skimming easy for travellers. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}