As we have previously reported, the European Union has long been planning to introduce two separate but integrated border management systems. Together, the systems will strengthen European security while also protecting travelers. The two new systems are the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The need for secure, efficient border management for the EU is paramount.
This update provides the most current known timeframes for the launch of the systems, as well as information and insights into the changes travelers will experience.
The Entry/Exist System (EES) is based on biometrics
Current timeline: Following several delays, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs has confirmed that the Entry/Exit System will be rolled out in phases starting in October 2025, with a goal of complete system deployment by April 2026.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS) to serve the identification needs of the ETIAS. Schengen Visa Info explains that the EES is a database that is set to enhance border security in the European Union. The most recent delay was necessary because the European Commission “had not yet received the required declarations of readiness from all member states.”
The EES is expected to help combat irregular immigration and trans-border crime for the European countries in the Schengen Area.
The EES will integrate a database of fingerprints and facial images from more than 400 million third-country nationals. It will also collect those biometrics from travelers at the border.
Finally, EES will track the travel document data and the date and place where each traveler enters and exits the territory of European countries using the system.
What travelers will experience: Because EES takes place at the external border of each country using the system, travelers won’t need to register or make special arrangements in advance. However, biometrics such as facial recognition and fingerprints will be collected from travelers at those borders. EES will also replace passport stamps. While this saddens travelers who enjoy collecting stamps that document their travels, removing the step of stamping passports will streamline the process.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Current timeline: ETIAS is currently set to launch sometime in the fourth quarter of 2026. It cannot take effect until six months after the EES is fully operational at all designated borders, thus the launch date is fluid.
ETIAS travel authorization is a new entry requirement to gain admission to the EU. ETIAS is not a visa, nor does it modify the visa-free status of travelers.
Travel authorizations are intended for short visits (up to 90 days).
Individuals must apply for a travel authorization. Once a passenger’s travel authorization is approved, ETIAS will be linked to his passport or other travel document and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers who will need an ETIAS travel authorization:
- Visa-exempt nationals from the 29 Schengen Area countries as well as Cyprus (with some exceptions, as explained below).
- Citizens of countries that currently have visa-free access to the EU (for short stays for business or tourism) and who are not travelling on an EU passport.
- Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many other countries.
Travelers who will NOT need an ETIAS travel authorization:
- Dual citizens who enter Europe with an EU passport.
- Travelers who have Schengen visas will not need ETIAS to enter the Schengen Zone.
What travelers will experience: Travelers will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance of starting their trip to Europe. “Passengers will be required to complete an online application form that covers a range of biometric-, immigration-, and security-related questions, along with the payment of a [nominal] fee,” JD Supra explains. Also, having an ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee admission, since border guards will still make decisions as to admission.
The ETIAS system has been in development since 2016, with several delays along the way. Many travel groups and travelers have been disappointed by the delays. Certain parties, however, believe the delays bring benefits. The International Air Transport Association and Europe’s main air transport trade groups Airlines for Europe, the European Regions Airline Association, and Airports Council International believe that delaying the implementation of ETIAS is advantageous because it will allow extra time to hire and train staff and thoroughly test the new system. These steps, the groups have argued, will ensure a smooth rollout and operation of the system so that air passengers do not face disruptions.
Sources:
European Travel Information & Authorisation System
European Commission
ETIAS.com
Biometric Update
Reuters
Schengen News
UK Parliament House of Commons Library
Aviation International News
The Local
The Points Guy
JD Supra
EuroNews.Travel
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