Last checked: 29 October 2026 · Official EU ETIAS page
EES and ETIAS explained
Only apply through the official EU website or app. Other sites may charge extra fees.
Two Europe-wide systems are changing how borders work. Here's what each one does, who they apply to, and what to have ready.
EES — already running
Entry/Exit System · live at all external borders since 10 April 2026
- Started on 12 October 2025 and rolled out progressively until 9 April 2026; it is now fully operational at every external border crossing of the 29 European countries using it.
- Applies to non-EU nationals on short stays — whether they hold a short-stay visa or travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Registers your entry and exit dates electronically and stores biometrics: a facial image for everyone, and fingerprints for visa-free travellers. It replaces passport stamping.
- The 90/180 allowance is counted as one single period across all the countries using EES, and the system automatically records overstays.
First-time visitors should expect a short extra step at the border while their biometrics are taken; after that, crossings get faster.
ETIAS — not started yet
Travel authorisation · start date not yet announced
ETIAS is not in operation yet and no start date has been announced. The EU has said it will announce the date several months before launch. Until then, you do not need to apply for anything.
- It will be required for visa-exempt nationals visiting the 30 European countries in the scheme for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry — a border guard still checks your passport and documents on arrival.
- When ETIAS starts, the application fee will be €20. The authorisation will be linked to your passport and valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport means a new ETIAS.
- Most applications are approved within minutes; a decision is due within 4 days, extendable to 14 days if more information is requested or 30 days if you're invited to an interview. Apply well before you travel.
Which one applies to you?
| Your situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| Nationality of a visa-required country (for example India) travelling to Europe | A Schengen visa from the embassy or consulate. EES records your entry and exit. No ETIAS needed. |
| Visa-exempt nationality travelling to Europe while ETIAS is not yet running | Nothing extra yet — your passport and any existing visas. EES registers you at the border. |
| Visa-exempt nationality travelling once ETIAS starts | An approved ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly, plus your passport. EES still records you at the border. |
If you need a Schengen visa
What to prepare
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years.
- A flight reservation covering your entry and exit — accepted for visa applications and useful at the border if an officer asks about your onward plans.
- Accommodation for every night, travel insurance with €30,000 medical cover, and proof of funds.
Check the official sources
Rules and dates can change. These are the EU's own pages:
We are not a visa, immigration or legal advisor and this page is general information only. Always confirm entry requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.