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EES and ETIAS

Updated: Oct 5


The launch date for EES and ETIAS has moved quite a few times, but both of these systems are important for residents and non-residents alike. There will be changes at the Schengen Border when these systems launch (12 October 2025 onwards).


In short

  • EES introduces biometric checks at the borders. It’s purpose is to replace manual stamping of passports and better control the number of days that non-EU/EEA citizens (and non-residents) spend in the Schengen zone.

  • ETIAS is NOT a Visa, it’s an electronic travel authorisation (valid for 3 years) for those who are Visa exempt when travelling to Schengen. ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA, Australian ETA or the UK ETA.

When

Based on the latest revised timeline for EES and ETIAS (see News Article ), the EES is expected to become operational on 12th October 2025 with a progressive start which will run up to 10th April 2026. EES will be operational in all Member states from 10th April 2026 ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026. This is still subject to approval by the European Parliament.


Official Info

Below are some official links for further information:


Overview: Travel Europe


EES (launches 12th October 2025)

To whom does it not apply : https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/whom-does-ees-not-apply_en*** NOTE: If you forget or lose your residence permit, it will apply.


ETIAS (Planned Q4 2026)



Differences

ETIAS Cost

The fee for ETIAS will be 20 EUR when purchased via the official website or app (*** both not available yet) but this fee will be waived for individuals under the age of eighteen and above the age of seventy.

Exemptions

Of course EU/EEA Nationals are exempt, but there are around 27.3 Million non-EU Citizens that live in the EU (source) and although in theory they should be exempt from both EES and ETIAS, it is dependent on them always carrying the correct residence permits when crossing the Schengen border. Valid residence permits are defined in the Practical Handbook for Border Guards (Schengen Handbook), Annex 22 and for Austria samples are defined here


As previously stated, EU/EEA nationals and those with an Austrian (and other Schengen) biometric residence permit should be exempt from both systems. However, given that both systems may be linked to your passport and residence information, it is recommended that you keep your residence information and passport in sync (e.g. make sure your Meldezettel has your latest passport information).


Practicalities

There are currently very few details on how these systems will practically work at the border, especially for EU residents. Most press announcement primarily cover the tourist angle. What is clear is that if you are resident in the EU you may well be exempt from these systems. However, you will need to prove this which effectively means always carrying BOTH your passport and official residence permit. Also please remember that border spot checks can be carried out and countries can re-introduce border checks even within Schengen.


Note: When EES launches it is possible that this will cause delays at the Schengen Border; this is due to the initial registration process for non-residents. This may be especially evident at busy ports such as Dover in the UK and please note that individual Member States are responsible for passenger flows.


Caution

When EES launches Autmun 2025?, it will become increasingly important that you ALWAYS travel with your biometric residence permit (if you have one) Failure to do so increases the likelyhood of you being registered in EES, which may in turn cause you further issues in the long run both with immigration officials and carriers.


WARNING: When looking for information on these two systems, please try and use official EU websites (domain name "europa.eu"). When ETIAS launches it is highly likely that some unauthorised processing websites will appear to charge extra for what you can easily do yourself! They may also use your personal data for other means. Please advise friends and family to be careful and only use official websites.


ETIAS is NOT operational, here are instructions on how to report fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries.


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