Hello, a bit confused as this will be first time using the EES system, however, at least we won't be dealing with ETIAS! In September, we are flying into Zurich. Six hours later, we have a connecting flight to Italy. My question(s): Do we use the EES in Zurich? or Italy? or both? Also, if we leave the airport in Zurich for a few hours and return for our connecting flight, will the EES have any affect on this plan such a time to be processed? Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
1086 posts
You will do EES in Zurich, both ways. Internal Schengen flights do not involve EES.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2200 posts
EES stands for Entry Exit System. You will go thru the system when you enter in Zurich and at whatever airport where you exit Schengen back to the US. If you leave the Zurich airport for a few hours, you will go back thru security and passport control to re-enter the airport. Unless you have quite a number of hours to eat up, most don’t advise doing this. 6 hours could be pushing it since you’re suppose to be at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight. Your call….
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thank you both. You have answered my questions.
Regards,
Posted by
Wengen
4129 posts
If you leave the Zurich airport for a few hours, you will go back
thru security and passport control to re-enter the airport.
You will only have to go through security again, not passport control as the flight to Italy is an intra Schengen flight. Which is why for such flights I usually aim to be at the airport between an hour and an hour and a half before the flight.
So leaving for a few hours is certainly possible. Security is usually quick in Zurich (rarely takes me more than 10 minutes), and the city is not far away.