EES and ETIAS: how Europe's borders have changed
Since 10 April 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at the Schengen Area's external borders. If you do not hold an EU passport, crossing the border no longer works the way it used to.
What the EES is, and who it applies to
The EES is a European database that records border crossings by nationals of countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area, for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It makes no difference whether you need a visa: the record is the same.
EU and Schengen nationals are exempt. The system was phased in from 12 October 2025 and reached full operation in April 2026.
What gets recorded
- Your travel document details.
- A facial image and fingerprints, from age 12 upwards.
- The place, date, time and purpose of every entry and exit.
Manual passport stamping is gone; the check is now electronic. Twenty-nine countries operate the system: every EU member state except Cyprus and Ireland, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
When does ETIAS arrive?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation rather than a visa, much like the American ESTA. It is expected in the last quarter of 2026, will cost 20 euros and will apply to nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries. Processing can take up to 96 hours.
You cannot apply for it yet and no exact date has been confirmed. Treat any website charging you to arrange one today with suspicion.
What this means in practice
A first biometric registration takes considerably longer than a stamp, and several airports saw sizeable queues in the months after launch. If your flight departs from or lands at a Schengen airport, allow extra time, particularly in peak season or with a tight connection.
Verified in August 2026 against official sources. ETIAS dates may change: always check the official European Union website before you travel.