The European Commission has published a status update on the new Entry/Exit System (EES), confirming that the digital border database—operational since 12 October 2025—is on track for full functionality by April 2026. The system records biometric data and automatically flags overstays, replacing manual passport stamps for non-EU short-stay visitors.
For Czechia, the report is timely. Prague Airport saw queue times spike by up to 40 minutes in the first weeks of EES as border guards captured fingerprints for the first time. The airport has since installed 24 additional kiosks and will integrate the forthcoming Digital Travel App pilot to pre-enrol biometrics. Businesses should expect continued disruption on high-volume long-haul arrivals until the pilot scales in mid-2026.
![EU Entry/Exit System Progress Report Highlights Upcoming Changes for Czech Travellers]()
The Commission urges member states to conduct outreach to carriers and corporate travel managers so that passengers understand new obligations. Czech employers sending staff on short business trips must now factor in the automatic calculation of permitted Schengen-area days: the system denies boarding if an employee risks an overstay. Mobility teams should therefore cross-check trip duration against EES data before booking.
Looking ahead, the Czech Interior Ministry plans an information campaign early next year and is considering dedicated EES support desks at Prague and Brno airports. Companies that depend on frequent rotation of non-EU experts—particularly in IT and automotive sectors—are advised to audit compliance workflows before next summer travel peaks.
For Czechia, the report is timely. Prague Airport saw queue times spike by up to 40 minutes in the first weeks of EES as border guards captured fingerprints for the first time. The airport has since installed 24 additional kiosks and will integrate the forthcoming Digital Travel App pilot to pre-enrol biometrics. Businesses should expect continued disruption on high-volume long-haul arrivals until the pilot scales in mid-2026.
The Commission urges member states to conduct outreach to carriers and corporate travel managers so that passengers understand new obligations. Czech employers sending staff on short business trips must now factor in the automatic calculation of permitted Schengen-area days: the system denies boarding if an employee risks an overstay. Mobility teams should therefore cross-check trip duration against EES data before booking.
Looking ahead, the Czech Interior Ministry plans an information campaign early next year and is considering dedicated EES support desks at Prague and Brno airports. Companies that depend on frequent rotation of non-EU experts—particularly in IT and automotive sectors—are advised to audit compliance workflows before next summer travel peaks.
