What the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) Means for Airport Transfers

The introduction of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is changing the arrival experience for many international travellers entering the Schengen Area.

While the system is designed to improve border security through biometric registration and digital entry records, it has also resulted in significantly longer immigration processing times at several European airports.

At Copenhagen Airport, we have recently experienced cases where passengers have spent 2–3 hours in passport control before being able to exit the arrivals hall.

For travellers, this can be frustrating.

For those arranging executive transportation, it also introduces new logistical challenges.

Why does this matter?

Most professional chauffeur services monitor flights in real time and automatically adjust for flight delays.

However, once an aircraft has landed, it becomes much more difficult to predict how long passengers will spend clearing immigration.

The result is that a flight arriving perfectly on schedule may still leave passengers reaching the arrivals hall several hours later than expected.

This affects not only passengers, but also executive assistants, travel advisors, hotels, destination management companies (DMCs), corporate travel departments and chauffeur companies responsible for coordinating airport pickups.

Our recommendations for travellers

If you are booking your own airport transfer, a few simple steps can make your arrival much smoother.

Always provide your mobile phone number

Your chauffeur should be able to contact you directly after landing.

At Copenhagen Concierges, our chauffeurs will normally send a text message once the aircraft has arrived, allowing direct communication throughout the arrival process if necessary.

Keep your phone switched on

International passengers often become concerned when they cannot immediately locate their chauffeur after spending an extended period in passport control.

Direct communication removes uncertainty and allows both passenger and chauffeur to coordinate the pickup in real time.

Consider scheduling your pickup slightly later

If you are arriving from outside the Schengen Area, it may be worth scheduling your transfer 30 to 60 minutes after your scheduled landing time, particularly during busy travel periods.

Doing so can reduce the likelihood of additional waiting time charges once the complimentary airport waiting period has expired.

Advice for Executive Assistants, Travel Advisors and DMCs

Professionals arranging travel on behalf of clients can help avoid unnecessary stress by considering a few additional details during the booking process.

Include the passenger's mobile number

This is one of the simplest but most valuable pieces of information a chauffeur company can receive.

It allows direct communication without relying on intermediaries during unexpected delays.

Inform travellers before departure

Many passengers are still unaware that immigration processing times can vary significantly due to EES registration.

Setting expectations before travel helps avoid unnecessary concern upon arrival.

Review pickup timing

For international arrivals subject to immigration checks, a slightly later scheduled pickup may often provide the best balance between convenience and cost.

How Copenhagen Concierges manages EES-related delays

Although immigration processing is outside our control, our operations team continuously monitors all arriving flights and remains in close contact with our chauffeurs throughout the day.

When delays occur, we always aim to provide the greatest possible flexibility while maintaining clear communication with both passengers and booking contacts.

Our objective remains unchanged:

To ensure every arrival in Copenhagen is as professional, comfortable and stress-free as possible—even when circumstances at the airport are less predictable than expected.

If you have questions about airport transfers, VIP Meet & Greet services or executive transportation in Copenhagen, our team is always happy to assist.