The system, which is due to come into force in October 2025, will register non-EU citizens entering and exiting the Schengen Area and automatically enforce the 90/180-day rule, which limits non-EU nationals to a maximum stay of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.
The rule already applies to UK nationals post-Brexit, but its enforcement has so far relied on manual passport checks. The RHA warns that EES will bring “rigorous enforcement” and could lead to serious complications for UK drivers who need to travel frequently across EU borders for short-term assignments.
A recent industry survey cited by the RHA found that more than half of affected operators expect to reduce their journeys into the EU, with many also anticipating cuts to staffing levels.
The RHA argues that sectors such as live events and logistics — which rely on the fast, flexible movement of people and goods — are particularly vulnerable.
“UK events operators are world-leading in their field,” the organisation said in a statement. “But that’s now under threat – and so is other international work.”
The association is calling for a professional drivers’ exemption; a visa-free arrangement for those working in sectors that depend on regular cross-border movement.
The RHA says it is working with operators and trade bodies to lobby MPs and government departments in a bid to secure an exemption before the EES system goes live.
Operators, drivers, and others affected are being encouraged to contact their MPs using this campaign link: https://lnkd.in/ex36DMk6
Two systems, no exemptions: how UK and EU border control affect drivers
Although the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is not expected to launch until October 2025, the UK has already implemented a similar border control scheme. From 2 April 2025, travellers from the EU and other visa-free countries must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country.
Both systems aim to tighten control over short-term stays by non-citizens, but neither currently offers any exemption for professional drivers, despite repeated calls from industry.
The EES will automate enforcement of the 90/180-day rule by logging biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) at the EU’s external borders. Once in place, UK-based drivers entering the Schengen Area will be monitored digitally — and face automatic penalties if they overstay.
In contrast, the UK’s ETA requires pre-registration and costs £16, but does not track time spent in the country. Instead, it simply grants permission to travel for up to six months per visit — with no flexibility for high-frequency travel.
As a result, UK-based logistics and events operators face stricter, automated checks in the EU months before similar rules apply to European drivers entering the UK. With no professional exemption on either side, concerns are growing over fairness, feasibility, and the future of cross-border operations.
