Europe’s EES and ETIAS Explained: What Changes at the Border and What You Need in 2026
Europe is changing how it checks visitors at its borders. Two new systems are involved: the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is already running, and ETIAS, an online travel authorisation that has been delayed several times. They are often confused, and scam websites take advantage of that confusion. This guide explains what each one is, whether you need to do anything, and the current status.
Quick answer: EES is a digital border registration for non-EU travellers on short stays. At your first crossing you give fingerprints and a facial photo at the border; there is nothing to apply for in advance and no fee. It has been fully operational since April 2026. ETIAS is a future online authorisation (announced fee €20) for visa-exempt visitors such as US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens. As of October 2026 it is not operating and no applications are being accepted. Any site taking ETIAS payments today is not official.
1. EES vs ETIAS at a glance
| EES (Entry/Exit System) | ETIAS | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Biometric registration at the border | Online pre-travel authorisation |
| Status | In operation; fully running since 10 April 2026 | Not yet operating; no confirmed launch date |
| Who it applies to | Non-EU nationals on short stays, both visa-exempt and visa holders | Visa-exempt non-EU nationals |
| Do you apply in advance? | No | Yes, once it launches |
| Cost | Free | Announced fee of €20 |
| Replaces | Manual passport stamping | Nothing; it is a new requirement |
2. The Entry/Exit System (EES)
EES records the name, travel document, fingerprints, facial image and date and place of entry and exit of non-EU travellers visiting for short stays. It replaces passport stamping and automatically calculates the 90-days-in-any-180-days limit for short stays in the Schengen area.
According to the French government, the system has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 (France Diplomatie). It applies at the external borders of the participating European countries, which include most EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland is not part of it.
What happens at the border
- On your first entry after EES started, your passport is scanned and you give fingerprints and a facial photo, at a kiosk or a border officer’s desk.
- On later trips, you usually only need a facial scan or fingerprint check to confirm your identity.
- Children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprinting.
What it means for you
- Allow extra time at the border, especially on your first crossing and at busy times. Ports and land crossings, such as ferry and rail terminals on the UK–France route, have had longer queues.
- Know the 90/180 rule. EES counts your days precisely, so overstays are detected automatically.
- EU and Irish citizens and residents are not registered in EES.
3. ETIAS: the travel authorisation that keeps slipping
ETIAS will require visa-exempt travellers, such as citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan, to apply online before visiting most European countries. The EU has announced:
- A fee of €20, with some age-based exemptions
- Validity of three years or until your passport expires
- A transition period after launch, followed by a grace period, before it becomes strictly mandatory
When will ETIAS start?
ETIAS was most recently planned for the last quarter of 2026, but in July 2026 the EU removed that target from its official website, and reports point to 2027 instead (iVisa report). The official EU ETIAS page currently states that ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU has said it will give several months’ notice before the system starts.
4. Beware of ETIAS scam websites
Because ETIAS is widely reported but not yet running, many websites already take “applications” and payments. These are not official and cannot give you a valid ETIAS. The only official site is on the europa.eu domain: travel-europe.europa.eu. Do not pay anyone for ETIAS until the EU announces it is open.
5. Do Indian and other visa-requiring travellers need ETIAS?
No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Travellers who need a Schengen visa, such as most Indian citizens, continue to apply for a visa. They are, however, registered in EES at the border.
6. Visiting the UK on the same trip?
The UK is not part of EES or ETIAS. It has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation. Read our UK ETA guide, and use our international travel checklist before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for EES?
No. EES registration happens at the border. There is no advance application and no fee.
Do I need ETIAS to visit Europe now?
No. As of October 2026, ETIAS is not operating, and no one can apply for it yet.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The EU has announced a fee of €20, payable once the system launches.
Does EES apply to EU citizens?
No. It applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays.
Is the UK part of EES or ETIAS?
No. The UK has its own ETA scheme.