The EES, in three steps
For non-EU arrivals, passport stamping is being replaced by a biometric Entry/Exit System. It's more secure — and, especially early on, slower. Here's the new flow.
Biometric kiosk
First-time travellers scan their passport, give fingerprints and a facial image at a self-service terminal — the step that creates the longest early queues.
Travel questionnaire
The system asks the purpose of your trip, length of stay and accommodation before you continue. Easy with paperwork ready — stressful without it.
Officer clearance
A border officer verifies your new biometric record and makes the final entry decision — the point where everything either flows or stalls.
Welcome Wings offers seamless assistance for all journeys
When does EES apply?
EES is triggered when you cross into Europe's borderless Schengen area from outside it.
Entering Schengen area
When your trip first enters the Schengen area from outside it, EES applies at that first Schengen border. After that, any onward Schengen flight is treated like domestic travel.
Connecting through Eu
On a connection you complete EES once, at your first Schengen airport — then travel on as a domestic passenger. By your final stop, the border is already behind you.
Flying within Eu
A flight that stays inside the Schengen area never crosses an external border, so there's no EES check on it. You already cleared Europe's border on the way in — this leg is effectively domestic.
Our service levels meets the queue
The honest part most won't tell you is that not every airport will guarantee a skip is possible. So we promise the worst case, and routinely beat it.
Guidance
Expert hands through every EES step with standard lanes.
What is guaranteed?
- You're guided through every EES step, never confused, never alone.
- Uses standard lanes.
- Local greeters often open faster routes (see below) — but we never promise what an airport doesn't formally allow.
Meet & Greet + Fast Track
A priority lane that skips the main EES queue.
What is guaranteed?
- You bypass the main queue and enter a dedicated priority lane for EES processing.
- Not necessarily zero wait, others may hold fast-track as well.
- You skip the long line, every time.
Lounge or Suite + Tarmac
A private route that never touches the public terminal.
What is guaranteed?
- No lines at all.
- You're met aircraft-side and driven across the tarmac, away from public EES halls.
- The complete answer to EES delays — zero queue concerns, start to finish.
“Welcome Wings pulled off a last minute tarmac transfer in Munich that saved my connection and Italian Vacation.”
“Made a stressful travel day much easier. They saved the day with a tarmac transfer during a tight connection."
