Main differences between the EES and ETIAS: What travellers need to know

Europe is changing its border management with the two new systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Both systems modernise and digitalise EU border checks, but they affect travellers coming from outside the EU in different ways.

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

The starting date of the systems:

• The EES is fully operational across all Schengen countries since 10 April 2026.
• ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026.The exact start date of ETIAS will be officially communicated later this year.

To whom it applies:

The EES changes the border procedures for all non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) to the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen area: at the external borders non-EU nationals will now have to register their biometric data.

ETIAS will change the way visa-free nationals travel to the Schengen area and Cyprus - a total of 30 European countries - for a short stay. Before they begin their journey, travellers will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation online, either through the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. This helps avoid fraudulent third-party sites that may charge extra fees or misuse personal data.

Check out the examples below to better understand it:

If you are a citizen of the United States and you intend to travel to any of the 30 European countries requiring ETIAS for a short stay, you will need to apply for a travel authorisation when the system is operational. Carriers will verify whether you have obtained one before departure. 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 Schengen area for a short stay, you will need to have 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.

How to apply for a travel authorisation?

For the EES, you do not apply in advance. When you arrive at an EU 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.

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.

Once ETIAS goes live, the application process is simple:

1. Access the official ETIAS website or mobile application;
2. Complete a digital application form with personal details, passport information and travel data;
3. Pay a one-time application fee.

You will receive information about your application directly to your mailbox. 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, so make sure to apply well in advance.

Find out more about the EES and the ETIAS on the official website: Travel to Europe