The member states of the European Union have decided that starting from October 2025, the Entry-Exit System (EES) will be launched to register border crossings by non-EU nationals at the EU’s external borders. The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been postponed until the end of 2026.
What is EES?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system that registers third-country nationals traveling for short stays each time they cross the external borders of the following European countries using the system:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
In the EES, a “non-EU national” is defined as someone who is not a citizen of any EU member state, nor of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
A short-term stay is defined as a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This time frame is calculated collectively across all countries using the EES.
Who is it for?
The system applies to those third-country nationals who either need a visa or are visa-exempt when entering countries that use the EES for a short-term stay. All entries, exits, and refusals of entry will be recorded electronically in the system. Despite being EU countries, passports will still be stamped manually in Cyprus and Ireland.
Benefits of the system
The EES modernizes the management of the EU’s external borders, improving the travel experience, identifying overstayers, and providing reliable data on entries, exits, and refusals. By collecting biometric data (such as photos and fingerprints), it helps combat identity fraud and enhances security within the EU. The system also supports real-time information sharing among border authorities across the Union.
Purpose of the EES
The EES addresses a gap in the current border control system. Although all EU member states (except Ireland and Cyprus) are part of the Schengen Area, there is no uniform method to monitor all foreign entries and exits. The new system aims to create a unified Schengen database instead of relying on 29 national systems.
The EES will record travelers’ passport and biometric data (photo and/or fingerprints). If someone arrives with a new passport, the system must determine whether the person has been previously registered. First-time or new-document travelers will have their fingerprints taken and/or be photographed at the border. In later crossings, this won’t be necessary.
The initial weeks may present challenges. According to EU forecasts, the identification procedure may take up to 40 seconds per person.
The system is expected to launch in early October 2025, per the European Commission’s recommendation and with the Council’s approval. The European Parliament must still confirm the exact date.
The EES will especially benefit frequent travelers, as passport stamping will be eliminated. The EU also plans to allow Ukrainian citizens and other visa-free travelers, whose documents are registered in the EES, to use automated border control gates.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt nationals wishing to visit any of 30 participating European countries.
It is linked to the traveler’s passport and valid for up to three years or until the passport expires—whichever comes first. If you receive a new passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS authorization.
With a valid ETIAS, travelers can stay in participating countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, entry is not guaranteed; border guards will check passports and documents on arrival to confirm eligibility.
Applications for ETIAS can be submitted through the official website or mobile app.
The fee is €7, although some travelers are exempt. Most applications are processed within minutes, but it may take up to four days for a decision. If more information is needed, processing can be extended to 14 days, and if an interview is required, up to 30 days—so it’s best to apply well before your travel date.
Applicants receive confirmation and a unique application number by email. If rejected, the email will explain the reason and provide information about how to appeal, including deadlines and the responsible authority’s contact details.
ETIAS is valid for three years or until the travel document used in the application expires, whichever is earlier. A valid ETIAS allows a person to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in countries requiring it.
However, having a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry—travelers must still meet all entry requirements at the border. Those who do not may be refused entry.
What’s the difference between EES and ETIAS?
Both systems aim to enhance the safety of Europe and its travelers.