Entry Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 

Q: What is the EES? And how does it differ from the ETIAS?

A: The EES is intended to streamline passport control by replacing the outdated manual stamping process. The current system not only takes up considerable time but also is not always accurate in monitoring border movements and identifying individuals who overstay. Instead, EES will require travelers to register their biometric details at departure points like airports, ports, or transportation/train stations. This registration, valid for three years and automatically renewed with each border crossing, aims to improve security and simplify immigration procedures for both EU and non-EU citizens. Advance completion of the registration is currently unavailable; registration must be done onsite and data will be collected differently depending on how you’re traveling. 

Implementation of the EES began October 12, 2025 and is planned to be gradually rolled out at the Schengen’s external border checkpoints across participating European countries. Border authorities will begin collecting biometric and travel data, with the system expected to be fully operational at all crossing points by April 10, 2026. 

Who is not affected by EES? 

• EU citizens 

• Non-EU citizens who have residency in an EU or Schengen zone country 

• Non-EU residents who have a valid short-stay visa for a country in the EU. This could include second homeowners who have obtained a short-stay (under six months) visa to allow them unlimited visits to their holiday home. 

• Dual citizens (of both an EU and non-EU country) will need to show their EU passport upon entry of the Schengen area or will be required to complete EES 

• Anyone traveling between countries within the Schengen zone

• Travelers with diplomatic passports 

What is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)? 

ETIAS is a required travel authorization for people traveling on non-EU passports which lets you make multiple short trips, usually up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The focus is on non-EU citizens who have traveled without a visa under the 90-day rule, like tourists, second homeowners without a visa, short-term family visitors or short-term work visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  

ETIAS is linked to your passport and is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires. You would need to renew it only when you get a new passport. ETIAS will cost EUR 7 if you buy it through the official website and you’ll apply prior to travel.  But the rollout will occur after EES is up and running so it’s likely it won’t go into effect until early 2027.   

It will be similar to the ESTA visa waiver program that some travelers must apply for when entering the United States. 

Who is not affected by ETIAS? 

• EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens 

• Non-EU citizens with a residency permit in an EU/EEA country 

• Non-EU citizens with a visa for an EU/EEA country 

If you’re not sure which 29 countries are part of the Schengen area, see below:  

• Austria 

• Belgium 

• Bulgaria 

• Croatia 

• Czech Republic 

• Denmark 

• Estonia 

• Finland 

• France 

• Germany 

• Greece 

• Hungary 

• Iceland 

• Italy 

• Latvia 

• Liechtenstein 

• Lithuania 

• Luxembourg 

• Malta 

• Netherlands 

• Norway 

• Poland 

• Portugal 

• Romania 

• Slovakia 

• Slovenia 

• Spain 

• Sweden 

• Switzerland 

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