Croatia Joins France, Germany, Malta, Norway, Luxembourg, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, And More In Ushering A New Era Of Secure, Efficient European Travel With The Introduction Of The EES And ETIAS Systems Starting 2025

Published on December 29, 2025

Europe is set to transform its travel experience with the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2025. These new systems will streamline border checks, making them faster and more secure for travelers. With the implementation of biometric scanning and digital authorizations, countries like Croatia, France, Germany, and others aim to enhance safety, reduce wait times, and ensure smoother travel across the Schengen Area. This modernization will not only benefit travelers but also improve border management, marking a significant leap towards digital travel in Europe.

If you’re planning to travel within the European Union in the near future, some important changes are coming your way. With the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), travelers must familiarize themselves with these new rules. Here’s everything you need to know about these systems and when they will go into effect.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

What is the EES?

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border control system, set to launch in October 2025. The system will require non-EU nationals traveling to Europe for short stays, including British citizens, to register their entry and exit details. This will involve scanning fingerprints and taking a photograph at the border when arriving in any participating European country. The goal is to speed up border checks while enhancing security.

When traveling to a participating country for the first time, you’ll need to complete a registration process at a kiosk. This involves scanning your passport, providing fingerprints, and having your photo taken. This process should only take a few minutes. Additionally, you’ll answer a few simple questions about your travels, such as the purpose of your visit and where you’ll be staying. Once registered, your data will be stored for three years in the Biometric Matching Service. For future visits during this period, you’ll only need to scan your face or fingerprints, streamlining the process.

Who Needs to Use the EES?

The EES applies to all non-EU nationals visiting for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area. This includes nationals from countries like the UK, the US, and Canada. Certain exceptions exist, such as children under the age of 12, who are exempt from fingerprinting.

Why Was the EES Introduced?

The EES aims to modernize border control processes by replacing the manual stamping of passports. It promises to make entry faster through digital systems, self-service options, and the ability to pre-register information. The system will also help track who enters and exits the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries and a few non-EU nations.

Where Will the EES Be Implemented?

The EES will roll out across airports, Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and ferry routes serving participating countries. All EU member states within the Schengen Area, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, will be part of the system. By January 2026, around half of the border points are expected to be using the EES. The system is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026, at all participating border crossings.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new travel authorisation system that will be required for nationals from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the Schengen Area or other participating countries. The ETIAS is similar to the US’s ESTA system and acts as a visa waiver. It links to your passport and is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires.

To apply for ETIAS, you’ll need to visit the official website, fill out an application, and follow the instructions. The process is designed to be quick and should only take a few minutes, although you may need up to 30 days for approval, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance. The ETIAS costs €20 (around £17) for applicants, but there is no fee for those under 18 or over 70.

Who Needs ETIAS?

If you’re from a visa-exempt country and planning to visit the Schengen Area or any other participating country, you’ll need ETIAS. This includes UK citizens, who will also require ETIAS authorisation.

When Will ETIAS Be Implemented?

ETIAS is set to begin in late 2026, with the exact launch date to be announced by the EU closer to the time.

Why Was ETIAS Introduced?

ETIAS has been introduced to improve security across the EU by tracking irregular or criminal activity. Similar to the US’s ESTA system, it will help authorities monitor travelers more efficiently and improve border control processes, making checks quicker and easier compared to manual passport verification.

Key Differences Between EES and ETIAS

The EES and ETIAS serve different functions. The EES is a biometric scanning system that operates at kiosks at participating border points, requiring travelers to scan their fingerprints and take a photo. In contrast, the ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation that must be applied for online before entering participating countries. While the EES handles your entry and exit registration at the border, the ETIAS serves as a pre-authorization required for entry.

Participating Countries for EES and ETIAS

For the EES, all EU member states within the Schengen Area, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are participating. However, Ireland and Cyprus are excluded as they are not part of the Schengen Area.

For ETIAS, the participating countries include the 30 Schengen Area countries as well as several others that require visa-exempt travelers to apply for ETIAS authorisation. The full list includes: 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, and Switzerland.

Both the EES and ETIAS are being introduced to enhance security, streamline border controls, and improve the overall travel experience. While the EES focuses on biometric checks at the border, ETIAS provides a digital pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers. Both systems are set to reshape how visitors interact with European borders in the coming years, so it’s essential to prepare ahead of your travel.