Updated guidance for UK travelers
The European Union is set to implement two new security measures aimed at modernizing the management of its external borders, increasing the efficiency of controls, and strengthening security. These measures are the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Key Features and Purpose
The EES, which will be implemented progressively over six months and will be available at all EU external borders, registers non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Zone for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). It collects biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), passport details, entry/exit date and place, and refusal of entry decisions. The system aims to automate and replace passport stamping at the border and track stay durations to prevent overstaying.
On the other hand, the ETIAS, which is scheduled to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026, applies to visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen Area. It requires an online pre-travel authorization application before departure, involving personal data, passport information, and security/health questions. The authorization is electronically linked to the traveler's passport, verified by airlines at check-in and border control.
Requirements
The EES is mandatory for all non-EU nationals traveling for short stays (regardless of visa requirement), and biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and passport must be provided at entry and possibly at subsequent border crossings. No application fees or prior online registration are required for the EES; the process happens at the border.
In contrast, the ETIAS requires an online application with personal and passport details, security, and health questions, and a fee payment during application.
Exemptions
Travelers who already require a visa are exempt from the ETIAS, as are Irish citizens for EU travel and UK citizens residing in the EU for travel within the EU or returning home.
Costs
The ETIAS application fee is €20 for adult travelers aged 18 to 70 years. Travelers under 18 and over 70 years old are exempt from paying the ETIAS fee. The EES does not require any fee from travelers; it is an automated border system.
Implementation Timeline and Operation
The EES is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with full deployment by April 2026. The ETIAS is expected to roll out in late 2026. EES biometric data collection happens at the border upon entry, while ETIAS requires pre-authorization checked before travel (e.g., airline check-in).
Together, ETIAS and EES aim to streamline border controls, improve security, reduce travel delays, and better monitor and manage short-term stays in the Schengen area.
Traveler Rights and Data Privacy (EES)
Travelers can access, correct, or request deletion of their data. An online tool will allow travelers to check the number of days they have remaining within the 90-day Schengen stay limit. Strict privacy rules protect the data collected by EES and restrict its sharing to relevant authorities only.
Under the EES, non-Schengen citizens will be required to provide fingerprints and biometric data, including facial data. The European Entry-Exit System (EES) applies to all non-Schengen citizens. The e-visa will be mandatory for citizens exempt from visa requirements for short stays, including UK citizens.
[1] European Commission. (2023). European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias_en
[2] European Commission. (2023). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/entry-exit-system_en
[3] European Commission. (2023). Schengen Borders Code (SES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-borders-code_en
[4] European Commission. (2023). European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias/faq_en
[5] European Commission. (2023). Entry/Exit System (EES) Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/entry-exit-system/faq_en
- The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) are expected to significantly impact the lifestyle, travel, and general news sectors, as they aim to modernize border management, improve security, and automate control processes for non-EU travelers.
- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, these systems are crucial in ensuring effective management of the Schengen Zone's borders, as they establish new requirements for travel authorization, biometric data collection, and entry/exit registration for short-term stays.
