“When will EES begin?” “Do I would like to use for ETIAS earlier than my subsequent journey?” “Will these new programs spoil our European vacation?”
If these questions sound acquainted, you’re not alone. My inbox has been flooded with messages from anxious travellers attempting to make sense of the EU’s upcoming border adjustments and questioning what they should do.
Don’t worry- on this put up we’ll share precisely what you’ll want to know and accomplish that you’re ready the subsequent time you go to Europe.
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The European Union has been planning two main adjustments to how non-EU travellers (together with UK residents) enter Europe. These are:
- the ETIAS visa system and
- the EES border system
It’s essential to understand that these are two completely totally different programs, so though they’re typically talked about collectively, they’re NOT the identical factor. ETIAS is an internet utility to enter the EU accomplished earlier than you journey, whereas EES is one thing accomplished AT the border.
Each programs have been ‘coming in quickly’ for a number of years, however hold being pushed again, making it difficult to know what’s truly occurring and when.
Let me break down the whole lot you’ll want to find out about each programs, together with the newest timeline updates, so you’ll be able to plan your European adventures with confidence.
(Please word, this video was filmed in early 2025. New updates are proven under, however it does clarify what EES and ETIAS are and the way they may work.) Don’t neglect to subscribe to our YouTube channel right here
What Is EES?
EES stands for the Entry/Exit System. This isn’t one thing you apply for prematurely. As a substitute, it’s a brand new technique the EU will use to trace entries and exits utilizing biometric knowledge.
When will EES begin?
The European Union has introduced that the long-awaited implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled for October 2025. Nevertheless, it’s anticipated that the system is not going to be launched till November 2025 at Channel ports.
In March, the EU’s Dwelling Affairs Minister introduced that there could be a “progressive begin of operations,” whereby the 29 international locations of the Schengen Zone would progressively introduce the system over a interval of six months.
Key Info About EES:
- Replaces passport stamping: EES will substitute the present system of handbook stamping of passports
- Biometric knowledge required: You’ll present fingerprints and facial photographs on the border
- First-time registration: When EES is launched, you have to to create a digital file in your first go to to the Schengen space on the port or airport on arrival. This implies you’ll present your fingerprints and facial photographs.
- Legitimate for 3 years: As soon as registered, you received’t have to repeat the total course of for 3 years (except you get a brand new passport)
- Tracks overstays: The system will mechanically detect if somebody exceeds the 90-day restrict – you’ve been warned! Overstaying could cease you getting entry into the EU sooner or later
What to Count on on the Border
In your first journey into the EU after EES launches:
- You’ll go to a self-service kiosk or sales space
- Scan your passport
- Present fingerprints
- Have your picture taken
- Reply fundamental questions on your go to
If you happen to enter the Schengen space once more throughout the next 3 years, you’ll solely want to offer a fingerprint or picture on the border, if you enter and exit.
Anticipated Delays
Let’s face it, that is going to trigger CHAOS.
Whether or not you’re coming into the Schengen space by tunnel, boat or aircraft, each single individual on that car might want to full these EES necessities. It’s anticipated to take about 1 minute per individual, which suggests one coach will take about an hour, and an plane of 300 individuals may take a number of hours!
Particular Affect for Motorhomers: For car crossings, every automotive coming into the EU is predicted to take 5–6 minutes longer for processing. Multiply that by a whole bunch of autos, and you may anticipate substantial delays, particularly throughout peak journey durations and at busy crossing factors resembling Calais.
It ought to be famous that this isn’t an ‘anti-English’ scheme. The UK already has a system in place for non-residents who’re coming into the UK.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Journey Info and Authorisation System. Consider it just like the ESTA system for travelling to america—it’s a journey authorisation you’ll want to use for on-line earlier than travelling into Europe/ the EU.
Can we simply, for the sake of expediency, settle for that I do know that the UK is on the continent of Europe, however not inside ‘Europe’ for the needs of this weblog put up? Thanks.
ETIAS will solely turn out to be operational after EES has been operating easily for a minimum of 6 months. On the time of writing, it’s anticipated to turn out to be operational within the final quarter of 2026, (though I actually wouldn’t maintain your breath till we see how EES does!)
Key Info About ETIAS:
- It’s not a visa: It’s a journey authorisation, much like what many different international locations already require
- Legitimate for 3 years: Your ETIAS journey authorisation is legitimate for 3 years or till the journey doc you utilized in your utility expires – whichever comes first
- A number of entries allowed: You may journey backwards and forwards in the course of the validity interval
- Covers 30 international locations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Prices €7: Making use of for the ETIAS journey authorisation prices EUR 7 for travellers aged 18–70. Beneath 18s and over 70s are exempt from paying this charge
- 90-day rule nonetheless applies: With a sound ETIAS journey authorisation, you’ll be able to keep within the European international locations requiring ETIAS for as much as 90 days inside any 180-day interval. If you happen to handle to get an extension to remain in a single nation for longer, you’ll want to guarantee your ETIAS authorisation matches this.
- Passport-linked: ETIAS is linked to your particular passport, so in case you renew your passport, you’ll want a brand new ETIAS
Who Must Apply for ETIAS?
UK passport holders travelling to EU international locations for:
- Tourism/ Highway Journey adventures
- Enterprise conferences/conferences
- Medical remedy
- Transit
You received’t want ETIAS for:
- Journeys to the Republic of Eire from the UK (Eire shouldn’t be in Schengen, and we now have particular preparations between the UK & Eire)
- Working or finding out (you’ll want official visas for these)
- If you happen to maintain twin citizenship with an EU passport (you should use your EU passport as a substitute)
How Will ETIAS Work?
ETIAS can be accomplished on-line. You may fill out the applying type utilizing both the official ETIAS web site europa.eu/etias or the ETIAS cellular utility.
The applying will ask for:
- Private and passport particulars
- Journey plans (together with the primary EU nation you’ll enter)
- Background questions on prison historical past, well being situations, and immigration historical past
- Safety, well being, migration threat, and any previous overstays or offences
Most purposes are processed inside minutes. Nevertheless, it’s attainable that your utility could take longer to course of. In that case, you’ll obtain a choice inside 4 days. In some circumstances requiring further documentation or interviews, processing may take as much as 30 days.
Necessary: There can be a transitional interval of a minimum of six months when ETIAS launches, that means you must apply however received’t be refused entry in case you don’t have one but (so long as you meet different entry necessities). This can be adopted by a 6-month grace interval the place travellers should have an ETIAS journey authorisation to enter, apart from these coming to Europe for the primary time for the reason that finish of the transitional interval.
Making ready for the Adjustments- What you’ll want to do
Present Journeys: What You Have to Do Now
If you happen to’re happening vacation into the EU/ Schengen Zone BEFORE October 2025, nothing adjustments. You don’t have to do something.
- Proceed travelling to Europe as you’ve gotten been since Brexit
- No ETIAS utility wanted
- No biometric registration required
- Guarantee your passport is legitimate for a minimum of 6 months when travelling (you want 3 months clear from the date you allow
- Monitor your days in Europe to remain throughout the 90/180 rule
- Preserve making use of for AHCs as ordinary (though take a look at the anticipated Pet Passport guidelines)
From October 2025: EES Anticipated to Launch
- The European Union will inform us in regards to the particular begin date of the EES a number of months previous to its launch
- Be ready for longer border crossing instances
- You’ll not want to offer any data earlier than travelling to a Schengen space nation
- Take into account permitting additional time for journey into the EU, or travelling in the course of the evening/ early morning to get the preliminary arrange accomplished and out the best way as painlessly as attainable.
This fall 2026: ETIAS Anticipated to Launch
- ETIAS is predicted to turn out to be operational within the final quarter of 2026
- You’ll want to use on-line earlier than travelling
- The European Union will inform us in regards to the begin of ETIAS a number of months previous to its launch and when we have to begin making use of.
- Apply properly prematurely – don’t wait till the final minute, as processing may take as much as 30 days if further checks are wanted
- Use solely official web sites: There is just one official ETIAS web site: europa.eu/etias. Don’t use third-party providers which can cost extreme charges or steal your private knowledge
- Preserve your affirmation: You’ll want your ETIAS authorisation quantity
- Test your passport validity: If you happen to renew your passport, you’ll want a brand new ETIAS
- Don’t imagine the whole lot on Fb – examine official sources for correct data
If you happen to’d like to remain updated will all information, and get a FREE Europe journey guidelines, be a part of our e-mail listing under:
Necessary Limitations and Concerns
I’ve seen a LOT of flawed data being unfold in regards to the EES and ETIAS schemes, so right here are some things to recollect:
The 90-Day Rule Stays
Neither ETIAS nor EES adjustments the face that UK travellers can solely spend 90 days in any 180-day interval within the Schengen space. These programs will simply make it simpler for authorities to trace compliance.
Eire Is Completely different
Eire shouldn’t be a part of Schengen and has separate preparations with the UK. These new programs received’t have an effect on UK-Eire journey and nothing will change to what we do now.
Working and Finding out
Having the journey authorisation solely permits you to enter and stay on the territory of the European international locations requiring ETIAS for a short-term keep. Additionally, it doesn’t provide the proper to check long-term or to work in these international locations.
No Assure of Entry
Having a sound ETIAS journey authorisation doesn’t mechanically grant you the precise to enter the territory of the European international locations requiring ETIAS. All travellers arriving on the border are nonetheless topic to frame checks.
Staying Up to date
Given the a number of delays these programs have skilled, it’s essential to get data from official sources:
Keep away from unofficial web sites which will cost extreme charges or accumulate your private knowledge inappropriately and DON’T belief the whole lot you want on Fb or Boards!
This data is predicated on official EU sources and present bulletins as of July 2025. All the time examine the official ETIAS and EES web sites for probably the most up-to-date data earlier than travelling.
Backside Line
Sure, it’s annoying. Sure, it’s going to price slightly extra. Sure, queues is perhaps worse for a time, however whereas these new programs add some complexity to European journey, they’re not insurmountable hurdles. Many different international locations around the globe have already got related necessities. The hot button is to remain knowledgeable in regards to the timeline and be ready when the programs launch.
For now, there’s no want to fret or change your present journey plans. Preserve exploring Europe- simply be prepared to regulate to the brand new processes when the time comes!
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