The Road Haulage Association (RHA)in the UK is calling for a professional driver’s visa exemption to the Entry / Exit Scheme (EES), when it goes live across the Schengen area in October.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a planned European Union system for electronically recording the entry and exit of non-EU citizens at the external borders of the Schengen Area.
It will replace the current manual passport stamping process with a biometric system, using fingerprints and facial recognition.
The EES is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2025, with a phased rollout across the Schengen Area, and is expected to be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.
The RHA says the new scheme will result in the stronger enforcement of 90/180 Schengen Area rules.
“This will affect hauliers and coach operators on international work. The RHA is calling for a professional driver’s (visa) exemption to protect jobs and businesses. The association is calling on businesses to support its campaign,” Richard Smith, MD, of the Road Haulage Association said.
He added: “The EES will ensure rigorous enforcement of rules restricting non-EU citizens to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period (90/180). This will have a profound impact on UK-based coach, haulage and live events logistics businesses operating internationally as the restrictions will apply to their drivers.”
He continued: “We need to act now and it’s why we’re reinforcing our call for a professional drivers’ exemption – a visa-free arrangement for people working in sectors that rely on frequent, short-term movement across the EU.
“We’re working with operators and trade bodies, and lobbying MPs and government departments to raise awareness with ministers as we try to protect businesses and people’s jobs.”
“I’d urge operators to help us build on this momentum by calling on your local MP to support our call for a professional driver’s exemption with EES enforcement drawing closer. I’d ask you to encourage your drivers and other colleagues to do the same.
You can do this quickly and easily using this link: https://lnkd.in/ex36DMk6 “
