Two changes are reshaping how Americans and other visa-exempt travelers enter much of Europe. The Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamping with digital registration, began operating in October 2025 and was phased in over six months. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), an online pre-travel authorisation, is scheduled to follow.
Key Takeaways
- EES applies to non-EU short-stay visitors at the external borders of participating Schengen countries.
- At the first crossing, travelers register fingerprints and a facial image; later crossings are faster.
- EES tracks the 90-days-in-180 limit electronically instead of with stamps.
- ETIAS will require eligible travelers to apply online and pay a fee before travel; check the official EU site for the start date.
What EES does
EES records your name, travel document details, fingerprints, facial image, and the date and place of each entry and exit. It applies to non-EU citizens on short stays in participating countries, which include most Schengen states. It does not apply to Ireland or Cyprus.
The system began on October 12, 2025, with a gradual rollout through April 2026.
What to expect at the border
- At your first entry after EES started, expect registration at a kiosk or border booth, including fingerprints and a photo. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
- Lines may be longer at busy times while travelers are first registered.
- Later entries within the data retention period should be quicker.
The 90/180 rule
Visa-exempt visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. EES calculates this automatically, so overstays are easier to detect.
ETIAS
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt travelers, similar to the US ESTA. Once it begins:
- Travelers will apply online through the official EU website or app.
- The fee has been set at €20, with exemptions for travelers under 18 and over 70.
- Authorisations are expected to be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
- Most applications are expected to be approved quickly, but some may take longer.
The EU has said ETIAS will start after EES is fully operational, with a transition period. Check the official EU travel website for the current start date before you travel.
Avoid scam sites
Unofficial websites may charge extra fees for ETIAS applications. Use only the official EU website or app when ETIAS launches.
The UK is separate
The United Kingdom is not in the EU or Schengen and has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which US citizens have needed since January 2025. Check the UK government website for the current fee and rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything before EES? No pre-registration is required. Allow extra time at the border.
Does EES affect EU citizens? No. It applies to non-EU travelers.
Is ETIAS a visa? No. It is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travelers.
The bottom line
Expect fingerprint and photo registration on your first EES crossing, track your 90 days, and check the official EU site for ETIAS before booking travel.
