Because Brussels loves jargon both of these are known by acronyms -Â EES and ETIAS - they are two separate systems but they are both scheduled to come into effect over the next 12 - 18 months.
Here's what they will change;Â
1: EESÂ - Entry/Exit System
This doesn't change anything in terms of the visas or documents required for travel, or the rights of travellers, but it does change how the EU's and Schengen area's external borders are policed.
It's essentially a security upgrade, replacing the current system that relies on border guards with stamps with an electronic swipe in/swipe out system that will register more details such as immigration status.
When - after repeated delays the current scheduled start date is October 12th 2025, with a phased introduction planned.
Where - this is for the EU and Schengen area's external borders, so doesn't apply if you are travelling between France and Germany for example, but would apply if you enter any EU or Schengen zone country from a non-EU country eg crossing from the UK to France via Channel Tunnel or flying into Germany from the US.
What - Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel document at an automated kiosk each time they cross an EU external border. It will not apply to EU citizens, foreign residents of EU countries or those with long stay visas.
In detail: Who is exempt from EES passport checks
When non-EU travellers first enter the Schengen/EU area they will need to register their name, biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) and the date and place of entry and exit. Data will be retained for three years after initial registration.
Exactly how this data is collected varies slightly depending on your method of travel - for example the UK's Port of Dover envisions passing an iPad around each car, allowing passengers to enter their details without exiting the car, while the Channel Tunnel terminals will have drive-through areas for passengers to input data.
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Many airports and stations of course already have biometric passport scanners but they're only checking that your passport is valid and the photo matches your face.
The EES system also calculates how long you can stay within the EU, based on your rights of residency or your 90-day allowance, and also checks whether your passport has ever been flagged for immigration offences such as overstaying a visa.
Who - this is for non-EU/non-Schengen nationals (so it does not impact Swiss or Norwegian nationals) who are entering the EU/Schengen area as a visitor (rather than residents). The system scans your passport and will tell you how long you can stay for (based on the 90-allowance or the visa linked to the passport).
What about residents? Non-EU/Schengen nationals who live in an EU/Schengen country and have a national residency card such as a carte de séjour in France or a TIE in Spain are not affected by this, since they have the right to unlimited stays within their country of residence.
We asked the European Commission how the system works for residents and were told: "The Entry/Exit System will not apply to non-EU citizens holding a residence document or a residence permit. Their personal data will not be registered in the Entry/Exit System.
"It is enough if holders of such documents present them to the border guards to prove their status."
The Commission later clarified that non-EU citizens who are resident in an EU country are not required to complete EES pre-registrations and should not use eGates or automatic scanners, but should instead head to the queue with an in-person guard (if available) where they can show both their passport and residency document.
However there's no suggestion those with permanent residency will lose their right of residency if they do go through the automatic gates when entering the EU because their residency status is guaranteed - as long as they can prove it with their permit. Although they could face the inconvenience of a few extra questions next time they travel.
What does this actually change?
Apart from a more high-tech process at the border (and potentially big queues in Dover) there are likely to be two main effects of this.
For non-EU nationals who have residency in an EU country it could mean the end of the rather inconsistent process of passport stamping, which has been a particular issue for Brits since Brexit, with wildly inconsistent official practices by border guards that have frustrated many British residents of the EU and left them with incorrect stamps in their passports.
For visitors to the EU this tightens up application of the 90-day rule. It doesn't change the rule itself, but means that anyone attempting to over-stay or 'play' the system will instantly be spotted.
The European Commission's other stated aim is security, making it easier to spot security risks at the border.Â
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, said: "With the Entry/Exit System we will know exactly who enters the Schengen area with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long, countering irregular migration. And the Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports thanks to biometric identification, photos and fingerprints."
Will there be delays for non-EU travellers?
Several EU countries have raised fears about this, with the UK-France border a likely pressure point due to large numbers of travellers and limited processing space at ports like Dover, while budget airline Ryanair has also raised concerns about the implementation.Â
Part of the reason for the delayed start dates is to iron out potential problems. You can read the full report about fears over potential delays here.
2: ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System
Who - If you live permanently in an EU country this does not affect you, neither does it affect people entering the EU with a visa (including a Schengen visa). EU citizens are also exempt, including dual nationals (provided they are travelling on their EU passport).
It affects non-EU citizens who previously travelled visa free under the 90-day rule. It therefore covers tourists, second-home owners without visas, those on family visits or doing short-term work from countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
When - This is intended to start after EES - its currently set for the final quarter of 2026, but if EES is delayed again that will have a knock-on effect on ETIAS. It too is set to have a phased introduction with a grace period of six months, meaning it is unlikely to be compulsory before early 2027.
What changes - Citizens of many non-EU countries including the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can spend up to 90 days in every 180 in the EU or Schengen zone without needing a visa - the so-called '90 day rule'.
This is set to change - people are still entitled to spend up to 90 days in every 180, but the process will no-longer be completely admin free.
Instead, travellers will have to fill out an online application before they travel.
Once issued, the authorisation lasts for three years, so frequent travellers do not need to complete a new application every time but it must be renewed every three years.
For anyone who has travelled to the USA recently, the system is essentially similar to the ESTA visa required for short stays.
How much - Originally set to cost €7, the European Commission now proposes a cost of €20, saying this is due to inflation over the long introduction period. It is free for under 18s and over 70s.
How - The application process is entirely online. The European Commission says that applications should be processed within minutes, but advises travellers to apply 72 hours in advance in case of delays.
The Commission says that the questions asked on the application form will be;
- Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
- Travel document details;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
What about residents?
This does not apply to residents, so they will not need to complete the online process before travel. Instead, they will show their passport and residency document at the border, just as they do now.
What does this change?
This is technically a visa-waiver rather than a visa, but it basically spells the end of paperwork-free travel into the EU for many groups.
For tourists and visitors to the EU it's a big change, meaning that pre-holiday tasks will now include the online visa for all members of the group, in addition to booking a hotel/flights etc.
The process itself sounds fairly simple - and each visa lasts for three years so regular travellers won't need to do this every time - but it seems likely that the message of what is now required won't filter through to many holidaymakers, leading to confusing scenes at the border. Â
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