Update on Status of the European Union’s EES and ETIAS Entry Requirements
August 28, 2025
Beginning on October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will begin the progressive implementation of its new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any EU countries using the system. The EES modernizes border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border and replacing passport stamping.
What does progressive implementation mean?
The EES will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travelers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.
This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.
Who does the EES apply to?
The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES and who either:
- possess a short-stay visa; or
- do not need a visa to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveler not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Additionally, ‘short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.
What impacts might this have on my international travel?
- As the EES is implemented, you may experience travel delays at border crossings, particularly during your first EES crossing when you will need to provide the initial scans of your fingerprints and a photo of your face.
- If you have a layover in the EU with connecting travel, allow yourself plenty of additional time.
- The nature of the progressive implementation means that your experience at different countries’ border crossings may vary until the system is fully operational in April 2026.
- Your biometric data, information in your travel document(s), and travel dates will be collected by the EU.
ETIAS Travel Authorization
The implementation of the EES is the precursor to the EU’s forthcoming ETIAS travel authorization. Once implemented, the ETIAS will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (e.g., United States citizens) travelling to any of these 30 European countries for a short-term stay. ETIAS is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. The EU will announce the specific start date several months prior to its launch.
Entry and visa requirements may change with little notice. Be sure to research the requirements of all planned destinations well before departure and check for updates frequently. Sites such as GU’s ISOS Portal and Travisa can be used to look-up visa information and guidance.