Here is what EES Paris airport arrival means for you this autumn. If you are flying into Paris from outside the European Union this autumn, the border check you go through looks different from the one you may remember. Passport stamps for short stays have been replaced by a digital record called the Entry/Exit System, or EES. This article explains what the system is, what EES means for your Paris airport arrival at Charles de Gaulle or Orly, and how a private chauffeur pickup fits around it.
We stick to verified facts published by the European Commission and the EU agency eu-LISA. Border procedures are the responsibility of the authorities, not of transport providers, so always check the official sources before you travel.
What is the Entry/Exit System?
The EES is a European IT system that registers the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for a short stay. It began a progressive roll-out in October 2025 and, according to the European Commission, became fully operational at all Schengen external borders on 10 April 2026.
In practice, instead of stamping your passport, the border authorities record your travel document data, a facial image and fingerprints. The system then logs each entry and exit digitally.
Who is concerned?
The EES applies to non-EU nationals coming for short stays, whether they need a visa or not. EU citizens and residents with specific statuses follow other rules. If you are unsure which category you belong to, the official EU travel website is the place to check.
What about ETIAS?
ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation that visa-exempt visitors will eventually need before travelling. It is not operational yet. Earlier target dates have been dropped, no firm launch date has been announced at the time of writing, and the EU has said the start date will be published several months in advance. You do not need to apply for anything ETIAS-related for trips in 2026.
EES Paris airport arrival: what changes?
For first-time registrations, the border check takes a little longer than a simple passport stamp, because biometric data must be captured. On later trips within the retention period, the process is meant to be quicker. During the roll-out, airport and airline associations reported longer queues at some European airports, and the EU allowed temporary flexibilities during peak periods.
The practical lesson for travellers is simple: the time between landing and walking into the arrivals hall can vary more than it used to, especially at busy times.
Tips for a smoother passage
- Have your passport ready and remove glasses or hats when asked for the facial image.
- Follow the signage: some airports offer self-service kiosks for part of the process.
- Keep your accommodation address and return ticket details handy.
- Charge your phone before landing so you can message whoever is meeting you.
How a private chauffeur pickup adapts to longer border checks
This is where booking a chauffeur makes a real difference. A taxi rank does not care how long you spent at passport control. A pre-booked driver does.
Your flight number is the key
When you book with Sidi Paris, we ask for your flight number. It allows us to time the pickup to your actual landing rather than the scheduled time. Your chauffeur then waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal, with a name sign, while you go through the border check and collect your luggage.
Send a quick message when you have your bags
The easiest way to meet is to send a short message to your chauffeur once you have cleared the border and picked up your luggage. They will then be ready at the meeting point, and you will be on your way within minutes.
Business travellers: plan meetings with a margin
If you are landing at CDG for a same-day meeting in La Défense or central Paris, build in extra time between your landing and your first appointment. A chauffeur lets you use the journey itself: you can take calls, review documents or simply rest after a long-haul flight.
Which vehicle should you book?
- Business Sedan (Mercedes E-Class or similar): up to 3 passengers and 2 suitcases.
- Prestige Sedan (Mercedes S-Class or similar): up to 3 passengers and 3 suitcases, for maximum comfort.
- Business Van (Mercedes V-Class): up to 7 passengers and 7 suitcases, ideal for families and teams.
Travelling with family or a group
Families and groups arriving together go through the border check one by one, which naturally takes longer than for a solo traveller. Children also need to be registered according to the rules that apply to them. When you book, tell us how many adults and children are travelling and their ages: we will plan the right vehicle, child seats where needed, and a meeting point that is easy to find for everyone.
Departing Paris: allow extra time too
The EES also records exits. When you leave the Schengen area, plan your departure from your hotel with a comfortable margin, in line with your airline’s recommendations. We suggest a pickup time when you book, based on your address, the time of day and your terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Will my chauffeur wait if the border queue is long?
Yes. The pickup is timed to your landing, and the chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall. Just keep your phone on and message them when you have your bags.
Can I book a transfer for a colleague or a family member?
Yes. Give us the passenger’s name for the sign, their phone number with country code and the flight details.
Do you also cover Orly, Le Bourget and Beauvais?
Yes, we provide transfers to and from all Paris airports, as well as the main railway stations.
In short
The EES is now a normal part of arriving in Europe as a non-EU traveller. It may add some minutes at the border, especially on your first trip. A pre-booked chauffeur who tracks your landing and waits in the arrivals hall takes that uncertainty out of your arrival.
See our airport transfers and book your Paris arrival online.
