EES and ETIAS in 2026: What Travellers to Europe Should Prepare For

EES is rolling out in phases rather than arriving everywhere at once

The EU Entry/Exit System began on 12 October 2025 and is moving towards full operation by 10 April 2026. It is designed for short-stay travellers from non-EU countries, including most visitors from the UK and other visa-exempt states, and it replaces passport stamping with digital records of entry and exit. During the transition, however, the experience will vary by border point, which means some travellers may still see manual stamps while others are asked to use biometric kiosks.

Travellers should expect biometrics, extra time and more border questions

Where EES is active, first-time registration can involve passport scanning, a facial image and fingerprint collection. That has already raised concerns about processing times at airports and cross-Channel terminals, especially at busy periods. Travellers are therefore better off arriving with passport details, accommodation information and onward travel plans readily available, rather than assuming the process will feel the same as before.

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ETIAS comes later and should not be confused with EES

ETIAS is a separate pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt short-stay visitors, comparable in concept to other electronic authorisation systems. Current reporting points to a launch later in 2026, after EES is fully deployed, with a further transition before it becomes mandatory. When it starts, applicants will need to complete an online form, answer security questions and pay a 20-euro fee, while travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the charge. Until the official ETIAS platform opens, travellers should treat unofficial websites with caution and rely on verified information only.