Europe’s New Entry System from October 12, 2025, and ETIAS Rollout

Introduction

The European Union will launch two major border systems that change how many visitors enter the Schengen Area over the next two years.

1. From October 12, 2025, EES (European Entry System) will record non-EU visitors biometrics (fingerprints and facial images) in a central database and replace passport stamps. These checks will take place at external Schengen zone borders.
2. Late 2026 (Q4 2026), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require most visitors from visa‑exempt countries to apply online for travel authorization before arrival.

these new systems will achieve the following:

1. Strengthen border security by having a centralised database across the Schengen Area. As there are no internal borders within the EU this system of logging entry and exit digitally and across the whole EU block will provide increased security.
2. Enforce 90/180-day short-stay rule whereby a vis exempt traveller can spend up to 90 days in every 180 days in the EU. This will also speed up border crossings for frequent travellers. By having an EU wide database rather than relying on passport stamps which are not always done, the enforcement of the 90/100 day rule is now programmatic and not based on an immigration officer's interpretation of passport stamps.

The full rollout of EES is due to be completed by April 10, 2026.

Why two systems of ETIAS and EES?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Is not not a visa, but a mandatory pre-screening requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries — including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan — who plan to visit the Schengen Area. The ETIAS will contain a travellers passport details and biometrics. The ETIAS pre-screening will try to identify the risks before a traveller enters the Schengen Area.

EES is a check at the arrival and departure border of the traveller, against the information in the ETIAS, recording entry and exit dates and biometric data at the checkpoint. The purpose of EES is to verify that the person who arrives is the same person who was pre‑screened in ETIAS. EES will track time spent in the Schengen Area to help enforce the 90/180‑day rule.

What does a traveller need to do now for EES from the 12th of October?

Absolutely nothing. queues may be a bit longer at border checkpoints such as airport security as travellers, and staff adjust to the new biometric scanning terminals and booths. Those travelling by road will have to exit the vehicle so that all occupants can be scanned so try not to get stuck behind a coach if travelling by ferry!

Obviously, ensure your passport is valid and in good physical state, not excessively dog eared or with illegible parts on the identity page.

What does a traveller need to do for ETIAS starting in Q4 of 2026?

1. Fill out the online ETIAS application on the official ETIAS website. The fee is €20 for most applicants (Free for travellers under 18 or over 70).
2. ETIAS is linked to your passport so it should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years. When your passport expires you will need to get a new ETIAS with your new passport.
3. ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until passport expiry.
4. ETIAS is linked to your passport so you must use the same passport for application and travel.
5. Apply early to avoid delays, especially during peak travel seasons.

European Countries that will require an ETIAS to enter from Q4 2026

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden ,Switzerland

who will require an ETIAS?

These countries have a visa free entry agreement for 90/180 days, so nationals from these countries will require the ETIAS visa waiver to enter the countries listed above.

Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela

Entry to the EU from countries not in this list is via a VISA. ALso for a stay longer than 90 days a Visa will also be required.

Exempt from ETIAS

The below are exempt from ETIAS

• A national of a European country requiring ETIAS.
• Citizens from any country that is not listed in the ETIAS visa free travel list. Entry is via VISA
• A national of the United Kingdom who is a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS. They may reside on the territory of their EU host country and travel to other European countries requiring ETIAS as long as they hold documents proving their residency status in their host country.
• A national of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, The Vatican City State or Ireland.
• A refugee, a stateless person or a person who does not hold the nationality of any country and you reside in any of the European countries requiring ETIAS and hold a travel document issued by that country.
• A holder of a uniform visa, i.e. armed forces personnel serving in an EU country.
• A holder of a national long-stay visa
• A holder of a diplomatic, service or special passport.

Edge Cases

You may need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you are a civilian air or sea crew member on duty; a crew or member of an emergency or rescue mission in the event of a disaster or an accident; A civilian crew member of ships navigating in international inland waters; A civilian sea crew member going ashore holding a seafarer's identity document.

The European countries requiring ETIAS have different requirements for air and sea crew members so always check which requirements apply to you before travelling. consult the ETIAS website, your employer, and the EU country's visa requirements and special case entry.