EES vs ETIAS: Main differences to know for travellers

If you are planning a trip to Europe, you may have heard about two new EU border management systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Both systems modernise and digitalise the EU borders border checks, but they affect travellers in different ways.

Here is a simple explanation what each system is, how they differ, and what travellers need to do before and during their trip.

Both EES and ETIAS are designed to:

• Improve Europe's border security;
• Track short-stay travel more accurately;
• Make border checks more efficient and reduce waiting times.

The starting date of the systems differs:

• EES started operations on 12 October 2025;
• ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026.

The EU will confirm the exact start date of ETIAS later this year.

Know which system applies to you:

ETIAS changes the way visa-free nationals travel to 30 European countries for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). It requires to apply for a travel authorisation online before your trip.

EES changes the border procedures for non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) to 29 European countries.

Check out the examples below to better understand it:

If you are a citizen from the United States and you travel to the 30 European countries for a short stay, you will need to apply for an ETIAS authorisation when the system is operational. Once you arrive at the external EU border, your personal data will be recorded in the EES.

If you are a citizen from India and you travel to the 29 European countries for a short stay, you will require a visa, and therefore you will not need an ETIAS authorisation. Once you arrive at the external EU border, your personal data will be recorded in the EES.

Apply for ETIAS before your trip (if required):

If you're a visa-free traveller, you will need to complete an ETIAS application before departure once the system is operational.

The application process is simple:

1. Access the official ETIAS website or mobile app;
2. Complete a digital application form with personal details, passport information and travel data;
3. Pay a one-time application fee;
4. Most applications are approved within minutes.

Once approved:

• The travel authorisation is linked to your passport (no printing required);
• It will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).

Important: Approval is required before boarding your flight or starting your journey. Carriers will check that you have received your ETIAS travel authorisation.

Register with EES at the border.

Unlike ETIAS, you do not apply for EES in advance. When you arrive at a European external border:

• Your passport details will be recorded;
• Your facial image and fingerprints will be collected;
• Your entry and exit dates and locations will be logged.

Important: European countries using the EES are introducing the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection is being gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

You can also pre-register your data within 72 hours prior to entering a European country using the "Travel to Europe" mobile app and this way speed up your border checks. You can check which countries are using the mobile app.

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