Planning a holiday or business trip to the European Union? Get ready for some changes at the border. The EU is rolling out two significant new digital systems – the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – designed to bolster security and streamline crossings for non-EU visitors. The EES, launching in phases from October 12, 2025, will electronically register your entry and exit, collecting biometric data like fingerprints and a facial scan on your first visit, replacing the familiar passport stamp. This automated process aims to more accurately track legal stays within the Schengen Area – a group of 29 European countries that have officially abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders, ensuring greater efficiency and reducing overstays.
Following the EES, the ETIAS is set to commence in late 2026. This is a pre-travel authorisation, akin to America’s ESTA, which visa-exempt visitors will need to obtain online before their journey. It’s not a visa, but rather an electronic screening process to assess potential security, migration or public health risks. Applying will incur a modest fee of €20, though travellers under 18 or over 70 will be exempt. Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years, electronically linked to your passport, allowing multiple trips within that period. These new initiatives represent a significant shift towards a more digitised and secure border management for Europe, so it’s wise to familiarise yourself with the requirements well in advance of your next trip.
