The EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system

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EU Entry/Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): What is it? What's the difference? Does it affect me? Let's make sense of it all!

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system ffor registering Non-EU/Schengen Nationals, including British Nationals, travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the Schengen area's external border. Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at an automated self-service kiosk prior to crossing the border. Non-EU/Schengen citizens without visa requirements will have their fingerprints and facial images taken when they first enter the EU. This data is deleted after three years if no further travel occurs. Those needing visas will not have their fingerprints registered since they provide fingerprints during the visa process. Long-term residents in the EU are also exempt.

Why? According to the European Commission: "EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings and does not allow a systematic detection of over-stayers (travellers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorised stay)". In short, it aims to prevent irregular migration.

When? It is scheduled for late 2024, possibly November 20. More information will be disclosed in the near future. To keep abreast of the changes, follow us on our socials!

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a travel authorisation to enter the EU for citizens of non-EU/Schengen countries that do not require a visa to enter the EU/Schengen (Ireland excluded). ETIAS applications will be made online or via a mobile app, with most approvals issued within minutes, though some may take up to 30 days. The authorization lasts three years or until the passport expires, costing €7 for those aged 18 to 70, and is free for others. The system is similar to the U.S. ESTA, and the UK plans to introduce a similar system by the end of 2024.

How does it affect the UK? The UK is on the list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area, therefore the ETIAS will apply to British travellers.

When? It is scheduled sometimes in 2025, after the EES has come into operation.