Germany Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to EES and ETIAS Requirements
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES): A Guide to Upcoming Changes in European Travel
Travelers planning trips to the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area should be aware of two upcoming changes: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems are set to revolutionize border control and traveler processing across the region.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to begin a phased rollout starting in October 2025, with full deployment expected by April 2026. This system aims to digitize the enforcement of the 90-day rule, replacing the manual passport stamping process. Each country will choose which ports, airports, and stations to enforce EES, but they must have a certain percentage of entry points using the system[1][2][3][4].
During the transition, not all travelers will have biometric data collected; passport stamping will continue temporarily. The system collects biometric data (fingerprints, facial images) and personal details to improve security and fight identity fraud and overstays[1][2][4][5].
The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026, about six months after the full operational deployment of EES. This timeline depends on the full implementation of EES, as ETIAS depends on EES’s biometric matching database[1][3][4].
ETIAS requires travelers to go online in advance of their trip, fill in a form, and pay a €20 fee to receive the ETIAS travel authorization. This online visa waiver is mandatory for visa-exempt non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area, enhancing security screening before arrival[1][3][4].
Key details on the phased implementation and timeline are:
- Entry/Exit System (EES):
- Gradual introduction over about 180 days starting October 2025.
- Initial rollout at selected external border checkpoints, expanding progressively until full coverage by April 10, 2026.
- ETIAS launch:
- Planned for the last quarter of 2026, about six months after the full operational deployment of EES.
This phased and coordinated rollout reflects the EU’s effort to modernize border controls, increase security, and streamline traveler processing systematically across up to 29 European countries participating in the Schengen zone and associated states[1][4][5]. The European Parliament still needs to review and approve the final launch schedules.
Visa-holders are exempt from ETIAS, as are non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU, EEA, or Schengen zone country with a visa or residency permit. Schengen visa holders are not exempt from EES[1][4].
Pre-registration for EES requires filling out a questionnaire with personal details, supplying fingerprints, and a facial scan. However, it's important to note that any website offering to complete EES pre-registration is a scam site. The EES pre-registration cannot be completed in advance of arrival at the airport, port, or station[1][4].
In summary: - EES phased rollout: October 2025 to April 2026 (gradual implementation) - ETIAS launch: Last quarter of 2026, following full EES implementation
This timeline is the most current as of mid-2025 and has been endorsed officially by EU Home Affairs Ministers and the European Council[1][4][5]. Travelers are advised to stay informed about these changes and monitor updates from official sources.
A traveler planning a trip to the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Area should be aware that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026, requiring them to fill in an online form, pay a fee, and obtain ETIAS travel authorization. Additionally, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to begin a phased rollout in October 2025, aimed at digitizing the enforcement of the 90-day rule and improving security, with full deployment expected by April 2026.
