European ETIAS and EES Systems Delayed

On 5 March, EU Home Affairs Ministers revealed that the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be later than originally planned.

The EES is now expected to be launched in October 2025, while the ETIAS is planned to start in the last quarter of 2026, with a specific date not yet announced.

Still, further delays remain possible as technical and operational challenges continue.

How Will the EES Operate?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is going to substitute passport stamping with biometric registration for non-EU nationals who enter the Schengen Area.

After EES becomes operational, travelers will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded upon their first entry into the Schengen Area. This biometric data will be used for verification during future crossings.

A new digital border system will be implemented gradually over a 6-month period, allowing border officials to test the system and entry ports to prepare their facilities for changes.

Moreover, this approach will enable visitors to have a smoother transition as well, reducing stress during the immigration procedures.

How Is the ETIAS Going to Affect Travelers?

The ETIAS is the new travel authorization designed for citizens of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen area.

When it becomes operational, travelers will have to submit their personal and travel data in online form before their trip.

The ETIAS will remain valid for 3 years from approval and allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Travel Information and Authorisation System will become a mandatory requirement, meaning people from visa-exempt countries won’t be able to enter Schengen without registration.

IMPORTANT: Cyprus, while not currently in Schengen, is expected to adopt ETIAS once it joins the system, though it will not implement EES initially.