On 5 March, EU home affairs ministers formally a revised timeline for the implementation of the entry/exit system (EES) and the European travel information and authorisation system (Etias). The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025, with Etias following in the last quarter of 2026.
Entry/exit system
The EES is an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals travelling for short stays to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. A short stay is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Under this system, travellers will register, providing facial images and fingerprints, each time they cross the external borders of any of the 29 Schengen area countries and Cyprus, including all Schengen visa holders. The system will replace manual passport stamping and will record entries, exits and refusals of entry. It will also identify overstayers and provide accurate data on border movements.
The EES will not apply to non-EU nationals holding residence permits or long-stay visas and is exclusively designed for short-term travellers.
Border security and information sharing
According to the EU directorate-general for migration and home affairs, the EES will significantly enhance border security by collecting biometric data for identification purposes. The use of electronic records and biometric data is expected to improve border checks and strengthen security within the EU. The system will promote real-time information sharing, ensuring that border authorities across the EU have access to the correct data when needed.
Etias
Etias, which will not come into effect until 2026, will introduce a new entry requirement for travellers from 59 ‘visa-exempt’ territories who do not require a visa to enter 30 European countries for short stays. These include the 29 Schengen area countries and Cyprus. Unlike a visa, Etias is a travel authorisation. Travellers will need to apply for Etias prior to their trip, which will cost €7. The application form will be available through the official Etias website or mobile app.
Key differences
A key distinction between Etias and EES is the data collected. When applying for Etias, travellers must provide personal information such as their address, passport details, occupation and travel history to conflict zones or countries of concern. However, Etias does not collect biometric data like fingerprints. In contrast, the EES will capture biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, along with travel document details and the date and place of entry or exit.
Travellers will need to apply for Etias well in advance of their trip, while registration with the EES will occur at the external borders of the 29 participating countries.