Europe’s new border system is now fully operational, while ETIAS is expected later in 2026. Here’s what travellers need to know about biometric checks, application fees, passport rules and avoiding unofficial websites.
In This Article
- The short answer
- EES: Europe’s new border check
- What happens at the border
- Who is affected and which countries use EES
- ETIAS: the upcoming travel authorisation
- Cost, validity and application process
- How to avoid unofficial ETIAS websites
- The 90/180-day rule
- Checklist before you fly
The Short Answer
If you hold a US, UK, Canadian or Australian passport and plan to visit Europe, two important changes are relevant to your trip.
- EES is fully operational. The Entry/Exit System electronically records eligible non-EU travellers’ entries and exits, replacing manual passport stamping at participating borders. Biometric checks, including facial images and fingerprints, are part of the process.
- ETIAS is not yet operational. As of October 21, 2026, the European Union’s official website states that the system is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. No applications are currently being accepted.
- The short-stay limit remains. Eligible visa-free visitors can generally stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the countries covered by the rules.
Travellers should check the official EU website for the latest launch announcement before applying or travelling.
Official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
EES: Europe’s New Border Check
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an electronic border-management system introduced to modernise checks on non-EU nationals visiting participating European countries for short stays.
The system began its gradual rollout on October 12, 2025, and became fully operational at participating external border crossing points on April 10, 2026.
Instead of relying solely on passport stamps, border authorities can electronically record travellers’ details and monitor their permitted stays.
What Happens at the Border?
When you enter a participating country, border officials may collect or verify:
- Your name, date of birth, nationality and travel-document details.
- The date and place of entry and exit.
- A photograph of your face.
- Fingerprints, where required.
- Records of refused entry, where applicable.
Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, although other border checks still apply.
What should travellers expect?
On your first registration under EES, you may need to provide biometric information. Subsequent crossings can involve verification of your existing record, although the exact procedure depends on the circumstances and border facilities.
Allow extra time at the airport or other external border crossing, particularly during busy travel periods. Processing times can vary, and biometric registration may add time to the initial check.
Who Does EES Apply To?
EES generally applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, whether they are visa-exempt or require a short-stay visa.
This includes eligible visitors travelling on US, UK, Canadian and Australian passports.
Some travellers are exempt, including certain people holding residence permits or long-stay visas, as well as eligible family members exercising EU free-movement rights. Exemptions depend on the traveller’s circumstances and documentation.
Which Countries Use EES?
EES operates in 29 European countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Important: Ireland and Cyprus do not currently use EES. Passports continue to be stamped manually there.
Check the official EES website for the full list and any special arrangements that may affect your journey.
ETIAS: Europe’s Upcoming Travel Authorisation
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned online travel authorisation for eligible travellers from visa-exempt countries.
It is not a visa. It is an additional pre-travel requirement intended to assess travellers before they arrive at participating European borders.
When Does ETIAS Start?
As of October 21, 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. The European Union says it is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026, but a specific launch date has not yet been announced on its official website.
Until the system opens, travellers do not need to submit an ETIAS application.
Be cautious of any website claiming that it can issue a valid ETIAS authorisation before the official launch.
Who Will Need ETIAS?
Once the system launches, eligible visa-exempt travellers will generally need an ETIAS authorisation before travelling to the 30 European countries covered by the scheme.
This includes eligible citizens travelling on:
- US passports
- UK passports
- Canadian passports
- Australian passports
Certain exemptions apply, including for some people holding qualifying European residence documents and eligible family members of EU citizens.
Travellers who require a visa should follow the applicable visa process instead. A valid visa generally removes the need for ETIAS for the journey it covers.
UK travellers should also check whether they benefit from specific rights under the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement.
How Much Will ETIAS Cost?
The official ETIAS application fee is €20.
Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee. Certain qualifying family members of EU citizens are also exempt.
The fee is charged for the application and is non-refundable if the application is unsuccessful.
How Long Will ETIAS Be Valid?
An approved ETIAS authorisation will generally be valid for up to three years, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
If you obtain a new passport, you will need a new ETIAS authorisation.
A valid authorisation can cover multiple trips, provided you continue to meet the entry conditions and respect the applicable short-stay limits.
How Do You Apply for ETIAS?
Once applications officially open, travellers will be able to apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
You should have the following ready:
- A valid, eligible passport or travel document.
- An email address.
- A payment card or another accepted payment method.
- The personal details and information requested in the application.
Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes. However, some may take longer: decisions can take up to four days, with extensions of up to 14 days if additional information is requested or up to 30 days if an interview is required.
The EU recommends obtaining authorisation well before your planned journey. Do not assume that approval will always be immediate.
Official application information: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/how-to-apply/what-you-need-to-apply
How to Avoid Unofficial ETIAS Websites
One of the biggest risks for travellers is paying a third-party website unnecessarily or submitting passport details to a site that is not the official EU service.
Commercial intermediaries may offer assistance with applications and charge additional service fees. Using an intermediary does not guarantee approval or faster processing.
Follow these precautions:
- Use the official EU website. Start at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
- Check the web address carefully. Look for the correct official EU domain before entering personal or passport information.
- Avoid applying before launch. No valid ETIAS can be issued through the official system while it remains closed.
- Understand the fee. The official application fee is €20, with specified exemptions. A higher charge may include commercial service fees.
- Be cautious of advertisements. A website appearing in search results or an advert is not automatically an official government service.
- Do not trust guaranteed approvals. A third party cannot guarantee that authorities will approve an application.
- Use the official app only. Download it through a trusted app store and verify that it is the official EU application.
Before publishing this article, add a screenshot of the official ETIAS website’s address bar to help readers identify the correct website.
The 90/180-Day Rule Still Applies
EES and ETIAS do not replace the existing short-stay limit.
Eligible visa-free visitors can generally stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the countries covered by the Schengen short-stay rules.
For example, spending 30 days in France and 20 days in Italy generally uses 50 days of the permitted short-stay allowance. The remaining allowance must be calculated against the relevant 180-day period.
EES helps authorities track entries and exits electronically, making it easier to identify potential overstays.
Overstaying can lead to consequences under national law, including fines, removal or restrictions on future entry.
Note: Cyprus has separate arrangements for ETIAS-related short stays, and Ireland follows its own entry rules. Check the requirements for every destination on your itinerary.
Checklist Before You Fly
Before travelling to Europe, make sure you:
- Check that your passport meets the entry requirements for your destination. For relevant Schengen short stays, it generally must have been issued within the previous 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area, subject to applicable exceptions.
- Check the latest ETIAS launch status on the official EU website.
- Apply for ETIAS through the official website or app once applications open, if you are required to do so.
- Allow additional time for border checks, especially if you are registering with EES for the first time.
- Check whether any residence status, visa or other exemption applies to you.
- Calculate your stays carefully to remain within the applicable 90/180-day limit.
- Check entry requirements separately if your trip includes Ireland or Cyprus.
Before Your Next Trip
Europe’s new border system is already changing how eligible non-EU travellers enter participating countries. EES is fully operational, so visitors should expect electronic entry and exit records and biometric checks where required.
ETIAS is the next major change, but it has not launched as of October 21, 2026. Once it opens, eligible US, UK, Canadian and Australian travellers will generally need authorisation before travelling to the participating countries.
The safest approach is simple: check official EU guidance, apply only when the system opens, and avoid websites that charge extra without making their role clear.
We will update this article when the European Union announces the ETIAS launch date or changes its requirements.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Sources
- European Union — ETIAS official website and launch status
- European Union — ETIAS frequently asked questions
- European Union — What you need to apply for ETIAS
- European Union — Entry/Exit System (EES)
- European Union — What is the EES?
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