Since its launch in October 2025, the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES) has sparked controversy. The aim of the system is to simplify the process of entering and exiting the EU for British citizens. However, there have been complaints about lengthy airport queues and confusion stemming from its implementation.
Although the EES will not be fully operational until April 10, with varying levels of adoption among EU countries, reports indicate that holidaymakers are already facing issues due to a specific EU regulation.
George Cremer, a digital nomad and software developer, has developed an app called Schengen Simple to assist British and other non-EU nationals in navigating the new regulations. He highlighted that the 90-day rule is catching many individuals off guard. Previously, discrepancies in days spent went unnoticed as border officials manually checked passport stamps. With the EES, all entries and exits are digitally tracked, leading to automatic flagging of overstays. This has resulted in around 4,000 cases of unintentional non-compliance, with some individuals seeking guidance through the app.
The data on these cases comes from eu-LISA, the EU agency overseeing border control systems. Schengen Simple helps individuals adhere to the 90/180-day rule, which limits non-EU citizens, including Brits, to 90 days of visa-free travel within the Schengen Area over a rolling 180-day period.
Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of the 90/180-day rule, Cremer pointed out three common mistakes that could catch people unaware. The primary issue is the misconception that the 90 days operate like a visa stamp, resetting upon departure. However, it functions as a rolling window, counting the days spent in the Schengen Area over the past 180 days. This means that time spent in any Schengen country accumulates towards the 90-day limit.
Furthermore, Cremer emphasized that the rule is not based on a split year but operates on a backward counting system from each day. As the travel season approaches, he advised travelers to plan ahead to avoid exhausting their allowance during peak periods. Schengen Simple is designed to factor in future travel plans so that individuals can manage their days effectively.
For those with stories to share, they can reach out via email at webtravel@reachplc.com.